Bricco Asili Barbaresco (1988)

About this wine

The 1988 Ceretto Bricco Asili Barbaresco presents a captivating bouquet of red cherry, minerals, and spices, reflecting its age and the esteemed Asili vineyard's terroir. On the palate, it delivers a rich and dense experience, with flavors of red cherry and subtle earthy notes. The tannins have softened over time, providing a smooth and lingering finish. This wine exemplifies the elegance and complexity that mature Barbaresco wines are renowned for. The Asili vineyard, known for its calcareous marl soils, contributes to the wine's finesse and longevity.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1988 Ceretto Bricco Asili Barbaresco, is a historic variety from Italy's Piedmont region, first documented in the 13th century. Its name likely comes from 'nebbia,' meaning 'fog,' referencing the misty conditions during its late October harvest. Nebbiolo is known for its high acidity and tannins, producing wines that age well and develop complex flavors over time. In the Asili cru of Barbaresco, where this wine originates, the calcareous marl soils and favorable south/southwest-facing slopes provide an ideal environment for cultivating Nebbiolo, contributing to the grape's distinctive expression in this region.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1988 Ceretto Bricco Asili Barbaresco is crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, renowned for producing wines with complex aromas and significant aging potential.
• 🌄 The Asili vineyard, where this wine originates, is celebrated for its calcareous marly clay soil, contributing to the wine's distinctive elegance and finesse.
• 🏷️ In 2007, the Italian government officially recognized 66 vineyards in Barbaresco, leading Ceretto to rename their wine from 'Bricco Asili' to 'Asili' to comply with the new classification.
• 🍷 Ceretto's commitment to quality is evident in their practice of using only grapes from the oldest vines in the Asili vineyard for this wine, ensuring depth and complexity.
• 🏆 The 1988 vintage of this wine has been highly regarded, with critics awarding it scores around 92/100, reflecting its exceptional quality and aging capability.

Palate profile

Producer

Founded in the 1930s by Riccardo Ceretto in Alba, Italy, the Ceretto winery initially produced wines from purchased grapes. In the 1960s, his sons, Bruno and Marcello, revolutionized the business by acquiring vineyards in prestigious areas like Barolo and Barbaresco, emphasizing the importance of terroir. The third generation, including Alessandro Ceretto, joined in 1999, steering the winery towards organic and biodynamic practices, achieving organic certification in 2015. Beyond winemaking, Ceretto has integrated art and architecture into their estates, featuring installations like the colorful Barolo Chapel and the futuristic 'Grape' tasting room.