Vigna Ceretta Barolo (1990)

About this wine

The 1990 Vigna Ceretta Barolo from Franco Cesari e Figli presents a captivating bouquet of dried cherries, roses, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of red fruit flavors, complemented by hints of licorice and tobacco. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. This wine showcases the longevity and depth characteristic of the 1990 vintage in Barolo. A testament to the aging potential of Nebbiolo, it offers a refined and memorable tasting experience.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape used in Barolo wines, has a history dating back to the 13th century in Italy's Piedmont region. Its name likely derives from 'nebbia,' the Italian word for fog, referencing the misty conditions during its late October harvest. Nebbiolo is known for its high tannins and acidity, requiring careful cultivation and extended aging to develop its complex flavors. In the 19th century, French enologist Louis Oudart introduced modern winemaking techniques to Barolo, transforming it from a sweet to a dry wine and earning it the title 'the wine of kings.'

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1990 vintage of Vigna Ceretta Barolo from Franco Cesari e Figli is noted for its remarkable longevity and complexity, offering a smooth, light-bodied experience with dominant cherry and floral notes.
• 🍇 Barolo wines, including the Vigna Ceretta, are crafted exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, renowned for its high acidity and tannins, contributing to the wine's aging potential.
• 🏞️ The Ceretta vineyard, located in Serralunga d'Alba within the Barolo region, is esteemed for producing deep, long-lived wines, reflecting the terroir's unique characteristics.
• 🌞 The 1990 vintage in Piedmont was exceptional, characterized by a cold, dry winter followed by a mild spring and a dry summer, leading to early ripening of Nebbiolo grapes with excellent sugar, acid, and tannin balance.
• 👑 Barolo wines like the Vigna Ceretta are often referred to as the 'King of Wines' due to their robust structure and complex flavor profiles, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Palate profile

Producer

Founded in 1936 by Gerardo Cesari in Cavaion Veronese, Italy, the Cesari winery aimed to produce Amarone wines that could rival the world's finest reds. In the early 1960s, Gerardo's son, Franco Cesari, expanded the winery's reach, making Cesari Amarone one of the first Italian wines to be exported globally. The estate encompasses over 100 hectares of vineyards in the Valpolicella region, including notable single vineyards like Bosan, Il Bosco, Jèma, and Centofilari. Cesari is renowned for blending traditional winemaking methods with modern techniques, emphasizing environmentally sustainable practices.