Exploring Ceretto
A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Ceretto, a third-generation winery located in the heart of Piemonte. Known worldwide for its exquisite Barolo and Barbaresco, Ceretto has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.
During my visit, I was warmly welcomed by Andrea Sozzi, the Wine Club Director, who provided a thoughtful introduction to the winery's history and philosophy. From there, Edoardo Vacca, the Export Manager, led me on an in-depth tour of the estate. His insights into Ceretto's practices and heritage were paired with a mesmerizing tasting that truly brought the winery's story to life.
At Lucciola, we are proud to feature some of the most sought-after crus from Ceretto’s exceptional portfolio. This allows our guests to experience the finest expressions of Piemonte’s terroir right here in New York City.
The History of Ceretto: A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in the 1930s by Riccardo Ceretto, the winery initially operated without any vineyards, relying instead on purchased grapes to produce wine. The pivotal moment came when Riccardo’s sons, Bruno and Marcello, joined the business and began focusing on the importance of owning and cultivating land. Inspired by Burgundy's esteemed cru vineyards, they meticulously mapped the best plots in the Langhe region, securing Ceretto’s place as a leader in Italian winemaking.
The Growth of a Vision
By the 1960s, the brothers had begun acquiring top-tier vineyards, including the prestigious Bricco Asili in Barbaresco and Bricco Rocch in Barolo. These acquisitions laid the foundation for producing terroir-driven wines that reflect the essence of Piemonte.
The mid-1980s saw another innovation: the creation of Blangé Arneis, a crisp, aromatic white wine that has since become a hallmark of Ceretto, accounting for over 50% of their production. This groundbreaking move showcased Ceretto’s ability to stay ahead of trends while honoring tradition.
Sustainability and Art
Today, Ceretto is one of the largest certified organic wineries in Italy, managing over 180 hectares of land. Their commitment to sustainability is matched by a deep passion for the arts. The family has invested in numerous projects, from restoring the iconic Chapel of Barolo (a collaboration with Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett) to hosting contemporary art exhibitions at their Monsordo Bernardina Estate.
Highlights from the Ceretto Experience
The Chapel of Barolo
One of the most enchanting moments of my visit was learning about the Chapel of Barolo. Originally a ruin in the Barolo vineyards, the chapel was transformed in the 1990s through a collaboration with Sol LeWitt. The story goes that LeWitt, captivated by Piemonte, offered to design and paint the chapel in exchange for a lifetime supply of wine—a deal that continues today as the Ceretto family sends 12 bottles annually to his heirs.
The Chapel Of Barolo
Ceretto operates four distinct wineries, each dedicated to crafting wines that honor their unique terroirs:
1. Monsordo Bernardina Estate: Home to Blangé Arneis, Langhe Rosso DOC, Barbera d’Alba DOC, and more.
2. Bricco Rocche: Known for prestigious Barolo crus such as Brunate, Prapò, and Cannubi di San Lorenzo.
3. Bricco Asili: Specializing in Barbaresco masterpieces like Asili DOCG and Bernadotte DOCG.
4. I Vignaioli di Santo Stefano: The hub for producing Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante DOCG.
Tasting
For the tasting, Edoardo arranged a stunning room with a panoramic view of the Monsordo Bernardina vineyard (pictured above). We began with the Arneis Blangé, which, as previously mentioned, accounts for the majority of the winery's sales. Spanning 80 hectares, this wine embodies sustainable vineyard practices and a modern winemaking approach. The result is a wine that harmoniously balances fruit, minerality, aromatics, and freshness. Representing the winery’s commitment to high quality, Blangé pairs beautifully with fish dishes, appetizers, vegetable risottos, and savory pies, making it a versatile companion for a variety of culinary experiences.
Next, we moved on to a selection of single-vineyard Barbaresco and Barolo wines that showcased the unique characteristics of their respective terroirs:
Barbaresco Bernadot 2021
From the village of Treiso, this vineyard spans under 5 hectares and is situated at an impressive elevation of 400 meters (1,200 feet), quite high for Nebbiolo. The wine offers a juicy, clear profile with prominent cherry flavors. Grippy tannins provide structure, leading to a pithy finish. This vintage, while already promising, still needs time to fully evolve.
Barbaresco Asili 2021
Asili, often regarded as the King of Barbaresco crus, is a tiny vineyard of about 1 hectare located in the village of Barbaresco. The wine is lean and linear, showcasing red fruit and spiced tannins. Intensely elegant and refined, this Barbaresco has great aging potential and an extraordinary finesse. Personally, I found it to be a standout of the tasting.
Barolo Bricco Rocche 2020
From the village of Castiglione Falletto, this cru is a small vineyard of about 1 hectare. On the nose, ripe red berries mingle with hints of bitter-orange marmalade, spice, and an intriguing undertone of truffle. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, densely packed with the complexity promised by the aromas. A wine of depth and character, it holds great potential for aging.
Barolo Prapò 2020
This was my first time tasting a wine from the Prapò cru, located in Serralunga d’Alba. With a larger vineyard of about 2 hectares, this Barolo showcases pure, vibrant cherry aromas with ethereal, perfumed nuances. The palate delivers succulent, detailed tannins that are steeped in red cherry flavors, culminating in a long, juicy, and impressively concentrated finish.
To conclude the tasting, Edoardo offered me a sip of Moscato d’Asti from Vignaioli di Santo Stefano, in the Santo Stefano Belbo area. This wine was a delightful surprise. Produced through ecologically sustainable viticulture with manual harvesting to ensure optimal ripeness, it is sweet and lightly sparkling. Flavors of lychee, tropical fruits, and citrus are balanced by refreshing acidity and a subtle effervescence. This Moscato d’Asti would pair wonderfully with fruit-based desserts and soft cheeses, making it an ideal ending to any meal.
Innovation Meets Tradition
Ceretto's forward-thinking projects extend beyond winemaking. The company has supported gastronomic excellence with ventures like Piazza Duomo, a three-Michelin-star restaurant, and La Piola, which serves traditional Piedmontese cuisine. These initiatives underscore their mission to unite wine, food, art, and hospitality under one harmonious vision.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ceretto
Ceretto’s dedication to innovation continues to drive their future endeavors. Plans for a new vineyard-side restaurant are underway, and the family remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and refining state-of-the-art winemaking technologies.
As I savored the wines during my tasting, it became clear that each bottle is a testament to Ceretto’s unwavering respect for the land, their heritage, and the art of winemaking.
Plan Your Visit to Ceretto
For anyone planning a trip to the Langhe region, a visit to Ceretto is an absolute must. Whether you're exploring the rolling vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco or marveling at the colorful artistry of the Chapel of Barolo, Ceretto offers an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and passion. And if you like to join their club, have fun!
Wine Club Dinner
We are thrilled to announce the opportunity to host a Wine Club Dinner in March 2025, featuring this exceptional producer and their outstanding wines. For this special occasion, we will open some remarkable vintages to delight wine enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for more details, and if you’re interested in learning more or reserving your spot, let us know here!