Ceretto : Bussia 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the 2021 Barolo Bussia from Ceretto

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a deep garnet hue with ruby highlights, characteristic of great Barolos made from Nebbiolo.

Nose

The nose opens with earthy notes of forest floor and humus, alongside delicate touches of bitter orange and blue flowers. With aeration, the bouquet reveals aromas of ripe red fruits—especially cherries, redcurrants and plums—enhanced by nuances of fresh violet, licorice and cherry pits. Hints of tobacco, chocolate and subtle spices complete this complex, refined aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is rich and well-structured, driven by firm, harmonious tannins with a chalky texture that deliver excellent definition. The palate reveals an elegant concentration of fruit, punctuated by savory notes of anise and caraway seeds. The whole is balanced by vibrant acidity that brings freshness and energy. The finish is long, persistent and harmonious, with remarkable density that speaks to excellent aging potential.

Food and wine pairings

This Barolo pairs ideally with braised, grilled or roasted red meats, as well as game dishes such as venison, wild boar or duck. It also matches perfectly with traditional Piedmontese meat-based specialties, characterful aged cheeses and truffle dishes. Mushroom preparations in a rich sauce also make for a harmonious pairing.

Serving and cellaring

The Barolo Bussia 2021 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C, in large glasses that allow the aromas to fully express themselves. The use of a decanter is recommended to help the wine open up. This vintage can be enjoyed now while offering cellaring potential of two to three decades.

A refined, elegant Barolo from the prestigious Italian terroir of Bussia

The estate

Founded in 1930 by Riccardo Ceretto, the Ceretto estate is now recognized as a benchmark in the Langhe, in Piedmont. Long a wine merchant without its own vineyards, the house truly took off when Bruno and Marcello, the founder’s sons, acquired land in the 1960s, asserting a pioneering terroir-driven approach. The estate remains family-owned and has been led since 1999 by the fourth generation—Lisa, Roberta, Alessandro and Federico Ceretto. Among its defining features are the art-and-wine dialogue embodied by the Barolo Chapel inaugurated in 1999, and full organic certification obtained since the 2015 vintage.

The Ceretto estate gradually embraced organic farming starting in 2010, obtaining official certification in 2015. This conversion reflects a philosophy of respect for the soil, the vine and the people who work it. Beyond organic certification, the family has integrated biodynamic practices to promote the vineyard’s natural balance. This environmental approach continues in the cellar through minimal intervention, favoring spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts since 2008 and the use of large, traditional foudres rather than new barrels, in order to preserve the authentic expression of the terroir without a pronounced oak influence.

The vineyard

The Barolo Bussia comes from a 0.73-hectare plot located in the mid-slope area of the Bussia vineyard, the most renowned and classic sector of this exceptional terroir. Situated in the commune of Monforte d'Alba, Bussia is among the five largest sites within the Barolo appellation. The vineyard benefits from a favorable exposure and moderate altitude, allowing for balanced grape ripening. The soils show high limestone concentrations in certain areas, producing structured wines, while other sectors reveal sandstone and fossil-bearing Sant'Agata marls. This recent acquisition by Ceretto makes the 2021 vintage one of the very first expressions of the estate on this prestigious Monforte d'Alba terroir.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage is recognized as a remarkable year for Piedmont, marked by particularly favorable climatic conditions. Winter brought significant snowfall that replenished water reserves in the steep Langhe soils and naturally sanitized the vineyards by eliminating overwintering pests. A cool spring was followed by a hot, sunny summer. These conditions yielded grapes at optimal ripeness, with a remarkable balance between concentration and freshness. The 2021 vintage is characterized by elegant, refined wines with beautiful color, open aromas, supple fruit and ripe, delicate tannins, offering both immediate pleasure and excellent aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Barolo Bussia 2021 are vinified using an approach that respects both fruit and terroir. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts. Maceration and fermentation last around twenty days, allowing optimal extraction without excess. The carbon dioxide naturally released during fermentation protects the must from oxidation. Malolactic fermentation takes place in wooden barrels. Aging of Bussia 2021 lasts approximately 30 months in large traditional foudres and 300-liter barrels, with no new oak used, in order to preserve aromatic purity and the authentic expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo