Federal Wine & Spirits

29 State Street, Boston, MA 02109

Read about the wines in this tasting

Read our notes

Last Week's Tasting

2021 Ceretto Barolos and More
June 10, 2026

Highly Rated Traditional Barolos with Modern Sophistication and Sense of Place, Presented by Ceretto’s Alessandro Malpassi

 

 

Ceretto

Ceretto continues to impress with an approach that combines the best of innovation and tradition.” Antonio Galloni - Vinous 

 

Experience the exceptional and highly acclaimed Ceretto Barolos, wines that fuse the traditional and the modern to make wines of inimitable character  that  are the essence of Barolo and expressive of place. The family estate is a century old. In the sixties the family added choice site-specific crus and applied a Burgundy-style approach for the highest quality fruit. Decades later they stepped up with organic and biodynamic farming. In the winery they are now returning to traditional Barolo winemaking using concrete and larger oak botti to showcase the fruit and bring out their vineyards’ individual expressions. Their wines are unmistakably Barolo and themselves 

 

2022 Ceretto Rossana Dolcetto D'Alba

Authentic and harmonious, this has youthful energy that effortlessly combines uncomplicated enjoyment and fine elegance.  The grapes come from the Rossana vineyard near Alba, whose chalky soils and mild altitude give the wine freshness and structure. Definitely a step above your typical Dolcetto showing a nice depth and variety of fruits and herbal tones. 

Aroma: Black Raspberry, Dark Cherry, Blueberry, Mint Leaf, fresh fennel and dark chocolate. Mouth: Medium body, generous black fruit, balanced concentration, smooth, dark chocolate, toasted almond, black licorice, structured tannins and a gradual persistent finish.  

Very Good  $26.99, Case of 12 $22.99

 

2023 Ceretto Bernardina Nebbiolo D'Alba

This is light on feet yet rich, heady and savory making it easy to enjoy. Ripe brambly fruit, smoky tones, and balsamic herbs & spices make this an excellent choice to pair with any food coming off the grill this summer.

Aroma: cherry kirsch, fresh plumbs, raspberries, orange peel, espresso, tobacco, spice and rose petals. Mouth: Medium-light body, vibrant acidity, fine grain tannins, touch of salinity, hint smoke, dried flowers, spice, complex and long finish.  Very Good Plus  $37, Case of 12 $31

 

2021 Ceretto Barolo 

Ceretto skillfully blends their vineyards in five communes to give you a traditional Barolo experience as the wine was made generations ago.  The combination of vines on different terroirs achieves the perfect balance of richness and softness for any Italian red wine lover to enjoy.

Aroma: Vibrant cherries, currants, raspberry, clove, star anise, espresso and rose petals. Mouth: Morasca cherries, cranberries, black licorice, mint leaf, warm spices, orange peel, tobacco, medium body, bright acidity, firm tannins, structured mouthfeel, fresh and dry finish.  Excellent  $78, Case of 12 $66

 

The Ceretto Crus

 

2021 Ceretto Barolo Brunate 

Brunate, in the La Morra and Barolo communes, is one of Barolo's most historic and revered crus, it’s a naturally warm vineyard, with higher elevation critical for preserving freshness and balance. The 2021 vintage is fruit-forward and floral, with silky tannins and a classic Nebbiolo bouquet, showcasing the balance of richness, structure, and finesse that makes Brunate one of Barolo's most distinctive expressions. 

Aroma: Bursting with ripe cherry fruit, blood orange, dried flowers, mint leaf, truffles, cedar and crushed limestone. Mouth: Medium plus body, cherry fruit, pomegranate, blackberry, leather, espresso, nutmeg, fine grained tannins, balanced acidity, round texture, chalky minerality, and a superb finish. Exceptional Ageability.  Outstanding  $150, Case of 6 $128

 

2021 Ceretto Barolo Bussia 

The 2021 Bussi’s intoxicating bouquet immediately captures your attention . A deep, fruit-forward expression, offers silky tannins, richness, and remarkable approachability to give an elegant drinking experience. 

Aroma: Black cherries, black currant, porcini, floral potpourri, warm baking spices, mint leaf, tarragon and sweet pipe tobacco. Mouth: Cherry, raspberry, red currants, espresso, peppercorns and a hint of smoke, medium body, silky texture, polished tannins, balanced acidity, with a long precise finish.  Outstanding  $150, Case of 6 $128

 

2021 Ceretto Barolo Prapò 

Prapó, in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, is one of Barolo's most powerful and distinctive crus, with recognition as a Grand Cru. Its wines are  renowned for greater structure, muscle, and tannin than making it Barolo’s powerhouse wine.

Aroma: Dark cherry, dark currants, star anise, French dark roast coffee, toasted clove & nutmeg, tobacco. Mouth: Bold dark fruit compote, menthol, black licorice, balsamic herbs, forest floor, firm tannins, vibrant acidity, impressive density, and pronounced minerality. Arguably one of the most powerful and age-worthy expressions of Nebbiolo in the region.  Outstanding  $150, Case of 6 $128

 

The Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and Barolo will be on hand to take home at the tasting 

and the Barolo will arrive at the store in the next few days

Richard Harmer

 

Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: order@federalwine.com

 


 

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