The Langhe hills of Piedmont constitute that area of northern Italy where the wide and flat Pò river valley suddenly disappears and gives way on all sides to hulking and precipitous slopes. The Langhe hills are more than hills. They are ancient and rugged earth. Their narrow peaks are topped by castles, and they are thick to the horizon with grapevines. The Langhe hills are home to a small group of farmers and winemakers who, together, have succeeded in creating some of the planet’s finest expressions of place.

This Barolo shows very pure and vibrant cherries on the nose with light, perfumed nuances that create an ethereal mood. The palate is delivered as a set of succulent and detailed tannins, soaked in red cherries and leading to a long, juicy and impressively concentrated finish.

Name: Barolo DOCG
Common: Serralunga d'Alba
Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Hectares: 2.40 ha
First year of production: 1976

This vineyard, located half-way between the hamlet of Baudana and the village of Serralunga d'Alba, is without a doubt one of the best exposed plots of the eastern side of the town. The orientation is South / South-East and the altitude is between 270 meters and 380 meters. The soils (conformations of Lequio), have a high percentage of silt and clay (over 30%) and this feature means the wines produced in the area have a distinct and rare punchiness. Ceretto owns 2.4 hectares (of the 8.5 hectares of the total sub-zone) featuring a high average age of the vines, planted in the '70s. Compared to the western side of the appellation, the Prapò vineyard has a gap in the harvest period, which in some years may exceed 10 days; this allows the grapes to mature slowly and exhibit good polyphenolics.

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.