Ceretto's Barbaresco is bright and very nicely focused, with tremendous energy and a sense of translucent vibrancy that is simply compelling. Sweet red berry and floral notes are finely sketched in this gorgeous positively striking Barbaresco from Ceretto. I tasted the 2016 from cask prior to bottling. The straight Barbaresco is a blend of 65% Bernardot and 35% Asili from younger vines and lower, less well-exposed parcels. More importantly, though, the straight Barbaresco is a terrific introduction to the vintage at Ceretto.

Among the infinite rows of vines that run across the undulating hills of Piedmont are the four wineries of Ceretto, a wine and spirits company in its third generation. Founded by Riccardo Ceretto in 1937, the highly respected firm is now run by his sons, Bruno and Marcello (dubbed the “Barolo Brothers”) who in the 1960s began raising Ceretto’s profile and expanding its holdings. Now their sons and daughters are at the helm of the Langhe DOC company, which holds a total of 120 hectares of land that are the birthplace of an array of elegant still wines, sparkling wines, dessert wines, and spirits.