Prunotto Barolo Cerretta DOCG 2018
(Piedmont, Italy) - [VM 93] [JS 93] [WS 93] [WA 91]

About the Winery:
Following World War II, Alfredo Prunotto and his wife took over and restored an old cooperative winery called "Vini delle Langhe", establishing a new era under the Prunotto name. Prunotto imposed new standards on production, elevating the level of quality and succeeding in exporting his wines to several countries. Prunotto was the first winery to individually select grapes from the finest vineyards and to designate the name of the vineyard (cru) as a symbol of the quality and specific characteristics of the wine. The Antinori group purchased the winery in 1989 and made great investments towards improvements. The strategic vision brought by Antinori is well represented by the acquisition of prominent vineyards in the most exclusive areas: the Bussia vineyard, acquired in 1990, and the Bric Turot vineyard, bought in 1997, to name two.

Prunotto's desire to control every detail in all phases of production, starting from the vine and ending in the glass has become a distinctive feature of their high quality. The balance between tradition and innovation continues to be a distinctive feature of Prunotto wines. The meticulous care for each bottle is the result of a century of experience, great passion for wine and love for the land of Piedmont. These characteristics made Prunotto a leader in the production of Alba's finest wines.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Barolo Cerretta is produced from the splendid vineyard in the Serralunga area. 2017 is Prunotto’s first vintage of this historic wine. The variations of the vineyards’ exposure and aging in traditional large barrels enhance and intensify Nebbiolo’s balance and complexity.

Vintage Notes:
The 2018 growing season was dominated by an extended winter with plenty of rainfall reestablishing normal groundwater reserves that were depleted following 2017’s climate trends. Winter conditions persisted up until the beginning of March with lower-than-average temperatures that caused a delay in vine development. Spring and the first half of summer brought periodic rain showers and a generally cool climate. Halfway through July, temperatures rose considerably, and a long steady stretch of perfect weather followed suit, allowing grapes to gradually progress to uniform ripeness, although timing in each individual vineyard block varied. Harvesting activities took place from October 4^th to 6^th.

Harvest and Vinification:
Freshly harvested grapes were brought to the cellar, destemmed and crushed. Maceration on the skins took place over a period of 8-10 days at a temperature that did not exceed 30 °C (86 °F). Malolactic fermentation was completed before the end of winter. The wine was left to age in oak barrels of varying capacities for at least 18 months.

Tasting Notes:
Barolo Cerretta is an intense garnet red color with ruby hues. The nose is complex and rich defined by floral notes of roses and violets and hints of spices especially white pepper and nutmeg. The palate has great character, prominent tannins that that impart a lengthy finish, persistent, with abundant sensations of red fruit and licorice.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Barolo Cerretta is one of the racier wines I have tasted from Prunotto in a very long time. A Barolo of stature, the Cerretta possesses superb depth and intensity, both rare in this vintage, all while retaining a classic feel. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and rose petal are some of the many notes that grace this pliant, savory Barolo." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2022)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"The perfumes in this are enchanting, with sandalwood, citrus, plum, ripe-strawberry and watermelon character. Medium body and fine tannins. So delicious now." (Jul 2022)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Elegant yet solidly built, exhibiting steeped cherry, strawberry, floral, menthol and mineral aromas and flavors. Harmonious, this red is charming and interprets the vintage well. Already approachable, yet this will continue to develop over the next decade-plus. Best from 2025 through 2039." - Bruce Sanderson (Feb 2023)

91 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Here's a new submission from Prunotto made with fruit from one of the best-performing MGA sites in Serralunga d'Alba. The 2018 Barolo Cerretta makes good use of that fruit, but my feeling is that we can expect more of this wine in future vintages to come. This edition is soft and lean in texture with bright aromas of redcurrant, bramble and wildflower. There is a distant hint of earth and rust as well. However, the wine is not especially complex or lasting at this point in time." – Monica Larner (Aug 2022)