# Barolo Cerretta (2018)

- **Producer:** Azelia
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €93
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** rose, black cherry, wild mint, red cherry, violet, white pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, tobacco, dried fruit, earth, withered rose, burnt orange

## About this wine

The Azelia Barolo Cerretta 2018 is a Nebbiolo from the Barolo DOCG appellation in Piedmont, Italy. Produced by Azelia, a fifth-generation family winery established in 1920, this wine originates from the Cerretta vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba. The vineyard, characterized by its south and south-west exposure and calcareous marl soils, contributes to the wine's structure. Azelia practices organic viticulture, emphasizing sustainability and biodiversity in their vineyard management.

## Interesting facts

- Azelia has been a family winery for five generations.
- The Cerretta vineyard is organically farmed.
- Maceration can last up to 60 days.
- A mix of Slavonian and French oak is used for aging.

## Food pairing

The firm tannins and robust structure of Barolo are ideal for pairing with rich, protein-heavy dishes. The wine's savory notes complement game and aged meats, while its complexity can stand up to earthy flavors like truffles and mushrooms. Acidity helps to cut through the richness of fatty dishes, cleansing the palate.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Azelia emphasizes tradition and minimal intervention. After hand-harvesting, Nebbiolo grapes are destemmed and gently crushed. Maceration on the skins is extended, lasting between 25 to 60 days, utilizing techniques like pump-overs and submerged caps for extraction. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel or concrete tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 30 months in large oak barrels, a combination of Slavonian and French oak, before a minimum of 12 months of bottle aging prior to release.