Barbaresco Asij (1998)

About this wine

The 1998 Ceretto Barbaresco Asij presents a ruby-red color with garnet highlights. On the nose, it offers aromas of dried cherries and rose petals, accompanied by undertones of violets, licorice, vanilla, and spices. The palate reveals flavors of tart cherries and rose petals, with hints of truffles, leading to a long, impressive finish. This wine is crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, a variety known for its high acidity and tannins, which contribute to its aging potential. Produced in the Barbaresco region of Piedmont, Italy, this wine reflects the area's tradition of creating elegant and complex wines from the Nebbiolo grape.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1998 Ceretto Barbaresco Asij, 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, requiring careful cultivation and extended aging to develop its complex flavors. In Barbaresco, Nebbiolo ripens earlier than in neighboring Barolo due to the region's slightly warmer climate, resulting in wines that are more approachable at a younger age.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1998 Ceretto Barbaresco Asij is crafted entirely from Nebbiolo grapes, renowned for their complex aromas and flavors.
• 🌹 This wine exhibits a ruby-red color with garnet highlights, offering aromas of dried cherries, rose petals, violets, licorice, vanilla, and spices.
• 🍒 On the palate, it presents medium-bodied richness with flavors of tart cherries, rose petals, and hints of truffles, culminating in a long, impressive finish.
• 🏞️ The Ceretto family, producers of this wine, have been pioneers in emphasizing single-vineyard expressions in Barbaresco, highlighting the unique characteristics of each site.
• 🏆 The 1998 vintage received high praise, with Robert Parker awarding it 92 points, noting its complex nose and nearly perfect symmetry.

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.