Giacomo Conterno Cerretta Barbera d'Alba 2022

Giacomo Conterno’s Cerretta Barbera d'Alba 2022 is a powerful, deeply expressive red from one of Piedmont’s most revered traditionalists. Sourced from the high‐regarded Cerretta cru in Serralunga d’Alba, this Barbera unites intensity, structure and polish in a way few producers can match. It is a serious, ageworthy interpretation of Barbera that shows just how noble this grape can be in the right hands.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Cerretta Barbera d’Alba shows a deep, vibrant ruby-purple color with youthful brightness at the rim. The nose opens with dark cherries, blackberries and wild plum, followed by layers of violet, licorice, blood orange zest and a subtle mineral, almost ferrous edge that speaks clearly of Serralunga. Hints of sweet spices, tobacco leaf and a touch of balsamic complexity emerge with air. On the palate, this is a Barbera of concentration and drive: juicy black and red fruits are framed by Barbera’s hallmark, mouthwatering acidity, and backed by a firm yet refined tannic spine—typical of the Cerretta vineyard and the traditional élevage used by Conterno. Flavors of ripe cherry, damson, graphite and a touch of dark cocoa carry through to a long, savory finish. While already pleasurable in its youth with a bit of aeration, the 2022 has the structure and freshness to develop further over the next 8–12 years, gaining additional complexity and harmony with time in bottle.

Production
The Cerretta vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba is a south and south-east facing cru characterized by calcareous clay and limestone-rich marne soils at higher elevations—conditions that give Barbera both depth and tension. Yields are kept deliberately low, and harvesting is done by hand, allowing only perfectly ripe and healthy grapes to reach the cellar. At Giacomo Conterno, vinification remains resolutely traditional: the Barbera is fermented in stainless steel or wooden vats with extended maceration to capture color, aroma and structure, then aged in large, neutral botti (large Slavonian oak casks). This gentle, slow élevage allows the wine to retain purity of fruit while integrating its acidity and tannins, creating a Barbera that reflects both its terroir and the classic Conterno style.

Food & Serving
Giacomo Conterno’s Cerretta Barbera d’Alba 2022 is a versatile partner at the table, particularly well-suited to rich, savory dishes. It shines alongside Piedmontese specialties such as tajarin with ragù, braised beef (brasato al Barolo), veal shank, and agnolotti del plin, as well as roasted lamb, duck, grilled sausages, mushroom risotto and aged cow’s milk cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy-style or universal red wine glasses to highlight its aromatics and texture. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to soften the structure and allow the wine’s layered bouquet to fully emerge.

Producer
The Conterno name is synonymous with the very highest echelon of traditional Barolo, and the Giacomo Conterno estate in Monforte d’Alba is considered a benchmark not just in Piedmont, but in the wine world at large. Founded in the early 20th century and brought to iconic status by Giovanni Conterno and later his son Roberto, the estate is best known for its legendary Monfortino Barolo. Over time, Giacomo Conterno has acquired top sites such as Cascina Francia (now Arione) and Cerretta, applying the same meticulous, low-yield, long-aging philosophy to Barbera as to Nebbiolo. Their Barbera from Cerretta has become a reference point for the grape, demonstrating that, in the right terroir and with uncompromising craftsmanship, Barbera can produce profound, cellar-worthy wines that stand alongside great Barolo in both character and prestige.

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