Elio Altare Barolo DOCG “Cerretta Vigna Bricco” 2018

Elio Altare Barolo DOCG Cerretta Vigna Bricco 2018 is a dry red wine crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, grown in the prestigious Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy. This elegant and powerful wine reflects the unique terroir of the Cerretta vineyard, offering a refined expression of Nebbiolo with exceptional depth and complexity. Aged in French oak, it showcases a harmonious balance between structure, minerality, and finesse.

Grandfather Giuseppe (Giuseppe Altare) arrived in Lamorra in 1948. Altares comes from the small town of Doljani; the farm in Lamorra was acquired only in the last century. At the time, it owned five hectares of vineyards with Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto vines, as well as an orchard with peach trees, hazelnuts and apple trees. Those were the times when orchards were more profitable than vineyards. It was not an easy time - the post-war economic crisis continued for many years. Elio Altare and some friends decided to go beyond the borders of Piedmont to learn more about the art of winemaking and to draw from the experience of the most successful wine regions. The first trip to Burgundy in January 1976 was a real revelation, and when he returned home, Elio clearly understood that a serious change was needed. He wasn't afraid of that: Elio handled the chainsaw like a knight's sword. First he cut down the fruit trees, then chopped the large wooden barrels of the wine cellar into firewood. So he made room for his first new, much smaller French-style wooden barrel - barrique. Elio's father Giovanni did not understand him. The son's radical methods were too different from his way of thinking. Giovanni, who came from an older generation that had seen poorer times, was unable to make these decisions; he felt it was a crime against common sense and the Italian winemaking tradition. The disagreement was so great that Giovanni and Elio stopped talking. Giovanni died in 1985, tragically leaving Elio out of his will. But Elio continued to work and in time was able to buy back the family winery and vineyards from his brothers and sisters. Elio remained steadfast then, and he remains so to this morning. He stubbornly decided to change the direction of the winery's development and give the family wine a new character, favoring elegance, sophistication and a balanced taste. Elio achieved this by following a strict regime in his vineyards and introducing new vinification and aging techniques in the wine cellar. The farm is still family owned and operated. Under Elio's management, 10 hectares of vineyards are cultivated, producing an average of 70,000 bottles of wine per year. Since 2003, Elio's eldest daughter Silvia has been working alongside her father, while the youngest, Elena, has moved to Germany, where she runs a wine import company.

On the nose, this Barolo reveals intense aromas of ripe red cherries, dried roses, and hints of tar, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco and spice. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with firm yet velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity that adds freshness. The long, lingering finish leaves impressions of dark fruit, earthy undertones, and a touch of licorice.

This wine pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as braised beef, truffle risotto, or aged cheeses. Its tannic structure and complexity make it an excellent companion to slow-cooked meats and hearty Italian cuisine.