Cerettto Barolo DOCG Bricco Rocche 2006

95+ Points: Hard to find 2006 vintage. This vineyard in Castiglione Falletto is the smallest geographical mention among those outlined by the Barolo specification and has a little more than 1 hectare of extension. It represents the most prestigious portion of what was once called La Serra and is nestled between the Villero and the Rocche di Castiglione, of which it ideally represents the sum of the top parts; it can be considered a monopole as all the parcel is the exclusive property of the Ceretto family.

The height of the vineyard is perfect and ranges from 350 to 370 meters above sea level, the exposure turns from south-east to south-west. The soils (Arenarie di Diano) reinforce the ideal sense of balance, suggested by the geographical position, and see a good percentage of sands, silt and clay as a percentage.

This Castiglione Falletto vineyard is the smallest geographic area within the Barolo specification and comprises just over 1 hectare. It is the most prestigious part of what was once called La Serra and is nestled between the Villero and the Rocche (rock face) of Castiglione, which represents the best of the top parts; it can be considered a monopole as the whole parcel is the exclusive property of the Ceretto family. The height of the vineyard is optimum, going from 350 to 370 meters above sea level, with southeast to southwest exposure. The earth (sandstone of Diano) reinforces the ideal sense of balance, suggesting the geographic location, and see good percentages of sand, silt and clay.

Producer

In search of the cru, a revolutionary idea The quest of the brothers Bruno and Marcello Ceretto was to select vineyards in the most valuable positions historically. This idea came about during a trip to Burgundy and would prove the family’s insight and see their Barolo and Barbaresco wines among the most popular in the world. A revolution at the time, for a territory in which the concept of cru was totally unknown, but, above all, a brilliant idea. The most difficult challenge the brothers faced was convincing their father who, as was typical at the time, purchased grapes for the wines he vinified. ”You are undertaking a difficult journey, the land has never made anybody rich,” he warned, but Bruno and Marcello were convinced about the potential of the land and stubbornly replied, ”We believe in the land 100%, the winery is obviously important, but great wines are made with great grapes.” And so, they began dreaming of labels bearing the name of the vineyard and also its image: ”so whoever drinks that wine can see the vineyard from which it has originated. The vineyard is history, the names of the hills remain, unchanged over time, enhancing the quality and credibility of the wines produced here. You can search out, visit and physically touch a vineyard… always.” In 1986, Wine Spectator, perhaps the most influential American magazine in the world of wine, puts the two Langhe brothers on the cover calling them the Barolo Brothers. Bruno and Marcello were less than 50 years old, but they were not overwhelmed by what was an official consecration, to which all aspire, but few can obtain. Even today, they have remained true to themselves, they have not stopped dreaming and fighting for their righteous goal. Meanwhile, the Langa has grown with them and with those who, like them, puts their name to the land where they were born and accompanied them throughout their lives.