Cerretta is a new wine for Altare, from a recently replanted vineyard he rents in Serralunga. Dark red. Lovely floral lift to the flavors of blackberry, violet, tar, licorice and spicecake. At once sweet and serious, with highly concentrated flavors of currant, minerals, and camphor. A more muscular style than Altare's Barolos from La Morra (this is Serralunga, after all!) but wonderfully broad and deep. The substantial tooth-furring tannins avoid the dry edge shown by the normale, and the slightly medicinal, austere finish saturates the mouth with subtle perfume of dried fruits, botanical herbs and mint. A terrific and vibrant Serralunga Barolo in need of patience.
|