THE WINE

The Barolo DOCG Cerretta from the Ettore Germano winery is produced with 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in the vineyards owned by the winery, located about 500 meters above sea level, where the soil is predominantly calcareous and stony. In particular, this Barolo takes its name from the vineyard located on Cerretta hill; it is over 50 years old and is the oldest owned vineyard in the winery.

THE WINEMAKING

The harvest of the grapes is strictly manual, and only the selected ones are taken to the cellar for winemaking. Once in the cellar, the grapes are destemmed and pressed into steel tanks; here, the alcoholic fermentation takes place with maceration on the skins, which lasts from 40 to 45 days; during this period, several daily pumping overs are carried out to favour the extraction of colour and tannin.

The refinement

As regards refinement, the wine is moved into medium-sized wooden barrels of different ages and passages and rests here for a period ranging from 18 to 24 months. Once this period is over, the wine is bottled and left to rest for approximately 12 months in the cellar.

THE TASTING

Intense garnet red with light orange reflections. The aroma is exquisite with pleasant hints of ripe fruit and vanilla; if left to rest, after the first few years in the bottle, this Barolo evolves into nuances of leather and tobacco, which add to the small dark fruits. Full-bodied and enveloping on the palate, with good tannins, refined by ageing in medium-sized barrels, which leaves the mouth clean and a persistent and intense aftertaste.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Perfect with hard cheeses, red meats and game, try it with the typical Piedmontese braised meat. However, due to its outstanding qualities, it is also excellent as a meditation wine, perhaps in front of a lovely lit fireplace.

The Awards

2018
– Bibenda – 4 grappes
– James Suckling – 93/100
– Gambero Rosso – 2 glasses
– 3 vines (wine of great stylistic and organoleptic profile) by the Italian Sommelier Association