I inaugurate the first dinner with friends of 2024 with this Barolo Cerretta 2016 by Ettore Germano.
I had tasted (and purchased) this bottle in October 2020 during the splendid visit to Sergio, son of Ettore Germano’s winery in Serralunga d’Alba, and after just over 3 years the evolution is decidedly remarkable.
The color is garnet red with orange reflections; on the nose, an intense aroma of ripe cherry and that note of leather and undergrowth typical of Nebbiolo coming from the Cerretta vineyard and which has undergone two years of refinement in small barrels.
After 3 years the tannins have softened: soft and incredibly elegant and a very, very persistent taste. A real pleasure for the palate.
I paired it with a classic cheese plate: magnificent with 12-month-old Gruyere, superb with Stilton.
This Barolo Cerretta 2016 is ready, but with an aging potential that can last another 5-10 years! I still have two bottles left… will I resist?