Ceretto : Prapò 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for Ceretto's Prapò 2020

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a deep garnet-red hue with ruby highlights.

Nose

The nose opens with pure cherry aromas, joined by notes of dried rose petals and undergrowth. Black-fruit fragrances mingle with touches of toasted herbs, leather and tobacco, lifted by a menthol nuance. With aeration, the bouquet reveals balsamic notes, dried fruits, delicate spices and violet, with a hint of licorice.

Palate

The palate is broad and structured, with a medium-to-full texture that coats the mouth. The tannins—firm and powdery—provide a refined framework without excessive astringency. Bright, crunchy acidity maintains lovely freshness throughout the tasting. Red-cherry flavors evolve toward notes of black fruits, spice and minerality. The finish lingers beautifully, saturated with savory, juicy notes and remarkable concentration.

Food and wine pairings

This Barolo is an ideal match for braised red meats, game such as wild boar or venison, as well as traditionally prepared lamb. It also pairs perfectly with aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola or Castelmagno. Piedmontese dishes with white truffles, porcini risottos and pasta with rich sauces also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

The Prapò 2020 can be enjoyed now, but will gain in complexity over time. It is recommended to decant it for one to two hours before serving and to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine can be cellared until around 2045.

The power and elegance of a red wine from Serralunga d'Alba

The estate

Founded in 1930 by Riccardo Ceretto, Ceretto is an iconic family estate in Piedmont, based in Alba and Santo Stefano Belbo. Long centered on purchasing grapes, it took a decisive turn with Bruno and Marcello, pioneers of an approach focused on terroir and soils—then revolutionary in the Langhe. Since 1999, the current owners, Lisa, Roberta, Alessandro and Federico, have jointly run the business. Certified organic since the 2015 vintage, Ceretto also stands out for projects blending gastronomy and contemporary art.

The vineyard

The Prapò cru is located on the south-facing slope of the Cerretta hill in Serralunga d'Alba, one of the five communes of the Barolo appellation. This optimal southern exposure offers ideal conditions for growing Nebbiolo. The roughly two-hectare vineyard occupies an intermediate position between the Baudana crus to the north and Parafada to the south. Limestone-rich soils give the wine its tannic structure and distinctive mineral character. Altitude and exposure allow the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while preserving the aromatic elegance characteristic of this terroir.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage proved particularly favorable in Piedmont, producing wines of remarkable balance. Weather conditions allowed the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness without excessive heat. The harvest yielded concentrated fruit with fine aromatic complexity and a harmonious tannic structure, pointing to considerable aging potential.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for Prapò 2020 are vinified in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Maceration lasts about 20 days, allowing for optimal extraction of phenolic compounds. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts using the pied de cuve method, encouraging the expression of the terroir. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, favoring older barrels to preserve the wine’s natural aromas. An additional two-year bottle aging precedes release.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo