Ceretto, Barbaresco Faset 1990

Ceretto Barbaresco Faset 1990 is a mature expression of Nebbiolo from one of Piemonte’s most respected single-vineyard specialists. Coming from the Faset cru in Barbaresco, this bottle captures the elegance and aromatic complexity that made 1990 such a celebrated vintage in the region. Now beautifully evolved, it offers collectors and Nebbiolo lovers a rare chance to experience a fully mature, traditionally styled Barbaresco from a benchmark producer.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 1990 Faset shows a garnet core shading to brick and tawny hues at the rim, a classic sign of fully developed Nebbiolo. The color is medium to light in intensity, yet still vibrant, with a gentle transparency typical of Barbaresco. The nose is complex and deeply layered, opening with dried red cherries, rose petals and violets before unfolding into notes of leather, underbrush, cedar, tobacco and sweet spices. With air, more evolved nuances emerge: truffle, dried orange peel, cocoa and a hint of forest floor, all woven together with a subtle, refined oak backdrop. On the palate, this is a delicate yet intense wine, with Nebbiolo’s characteristic structure now beautifully resolved. The tannins, once firm, have become fine-grained and silky, supporting flavors of macerated cherries, dried plum, licorice and warm spices. Secondary and tertiary notes dominate: balsamic undertones, earthy truffle, savory herbs and a gentle hint of dark chocolate. The acidity remains lively, giving the wine lift and precision, while the finish is long, savory and hauntingly aromatic. At this stage, the 1990 Barbaresco Faset is fully mature and drinking at or near its peak, though well-stored bottles may continue to offer pleasure for a few more years. It is best enjoyed sooner rather than later to appreciate its remaining fruit alongside the beautifully developed tertiary complexity.

Production
The Faset vineyard in Barbaresco lies within the rolling hills of Piemonte, where Nebbiolo thrives on a mix of marl, clay, silt and sand. This varied, calcareous soil profile, combined with the region’s continental climate and significant diurnal temperature swings, gives wines of aromatic finesse, tension and longevity. Ceretto’s approach in this era was to harvest by hand to ensure only the healthiest, optimally ripe Nebbiolo clusters made it to the winery. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts, preserving the purity of the fruit and the character of the site. After fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak for up to two years, allowing it to gain structure, complexity and subtle spice without overwhelming the varietal and vineyard expression. The result is a Barbaresco that marries traditional structure with a refined, vineyard-focused style.

Food & Serving
This mature Barbaresco is a natural partner for refined, savory dishes, particularly those that echo Piemonte’s own culinary traditions. Think truffle-laced risotto, tajarin pasta with butter and sage, veal roast, braised beef (brasato al Barolo), game birds, or mushroom-based dishes with porcini or morels. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or well-matured Pecorino. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatics and elegance. Given its age, decant gently for about 1–2 hours, primarily to let the bouquet open and to separate the wine from any sediment, taking care not to overexpose it to vigorous aeration.

Producer
Founded in 1930 by Riccardo Ceretto, the Ceretto estate grew from a small négociant operation into one of Piemonte’s most influential family-owned wineries. Initially buying grapes, Riccardo and later his sons Bruno and Marcello shifted decisively toward estate viticulture, investing in top Barolo and Barbaresco crus. The construction of the Bricco Rocche winery in Barolo and Bricco Asili in Barbaresco in the 1970s marked Ceretto as a pioneer of single-vineyard bottlings in the Langhe; their first cru release came in 1986 from the Bricco Rocche vineyard. Today, the third generation – Lisa, Roberta, Alessandro and Federico – steers the estate, which converted to organic farming in 2010 and continues to champion meticulous vineyard work. Beyond their highly regarded Barolo and Barbaresco, Ceretto crafts a range of wines from across Piemonte and even supplies produce to the three-Michelin-starred Piazza Duomo in Alba, underscoring their deep integration into the region’s gastronomic culture and their ongoing commitment to quality.

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