Tenuta Cucco – Barolo Riserva “Cerrati Vigna Cucco” 2016. Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this single-vineyard Riserva from Tenuta Cucco expresses the Cerrati cru with elegance and perfume. Aged for extended time as a Riserva, the 2016 is approaching a decade and shows why great Barolo balances power with haunting aromatics. (Educational note: Barolo “Riserva” requires a minimum of 62 months of aging, of which at least 18 are in wood, giving additional depth and complexity.)
Aromas & Flavors
An extraordinary bouquet — roses, violets, and dried lavender pour from the glass like perfume. Dark cherry, red currant, and wild strawberry interlace with anise, tar, and earthy spice. Hints of leather and truffle complete the symphony.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with finely etched tannins, still firm but beautifully integrated. Acidity remains vibrant, lifting the fruit and florals into a long, graceful finish. Nearly ten years old, it sits perfectly in its early maturity window.
Food Pairings
Ideal with Piedmont classics: tajarin pasta with truffles, braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), or game meats. Also superb with aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Taleggio.
Verdict
One of the most aromatic and enticing Barolos tasted in recent memory — so perfumed it feels wearable. Nearly a decade old, this 2016 Riserva is in a glorious drinking window, marrying fragrance, finesse, and structure. 🍷
Did You Know?
“Cerrati” is a celebrated cru in Serralunga d’Alba, known for producing Barolos of aromatic lift and longevity — the source of Tenuta Cucco’s flagship wines.
Hidden Gem 💎
Though not as widely known internationally as the largest Barolo houses, Tenuta Cucco crafts terroir-driven wines of exceptional finesse — treasures for those who seek depth beyond the mainstream names. — 9 months ago
Visita Cal Compte, Terroir al Límit, Torroja del Priorat (Tarragona). 36,30
Garnatxa Negra, Blanca i Gris.
14.04.19 — 7 years ago
An amazingly complex blend showing both the terroir of this region while impressing on the recipient the able craftsmanship of this finely blended cab, merlot & can franc. Great acid and tannic blend that’s ready now and should hold up for a decade or more. One of the best wines I’ve enjoyed in years. — 7 years ago
Fantastic nose of horse shit, followed by a delicate balance of sage and tarragon. Beautiful day in the Priorat! — 8 years ago
Absolutely delicious. Lots of minerality. Stiff bouquet but smooth with a wonderful finish — 3 months ago
Cata en Terroir Al Limit — 7 years ago
Cata Terroir Al Limit con Vanesa de guía — 7 years ago
Smoooooth. Ready now. The blend lends itself to immediate drinkability. Fruit forward with subtle hints of classic Tuscan terroir. Best with heavy pasta/meat dishes. — 9 years ago
Gianfranco Alessandria – Barolo 2020
Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this Barolo captures the essence of Piedmont’s most noble grape. The 2020 vintage is still youthful, showing its classic austerity and perfume while beginning the long climb toward its prime. (Educational note: Nebbiolo is famous for combining delicate floral aromatics with firm tannins and vibrant acidity, giving Barolo its legendary aging potential.)
Aromas & Flavors
Roses and violets open gracefully, followed by tart red cherry, cranberry, and dried strawberry. Nuances of anise, tar, and subtle spice emerge with air, promising further complexity as the wine matures.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied but firmly structured, with gripping tannins and racing acidity. The tart fruit and floral notes ride on a backbone of minerality, finishing long and tightly wound — signaling a wine built for age.
Food Pairings
Perfect with rich northern Italian cuisine: truffle risotto, braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), or wild mushroom tagliatelle. Also shines with aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Verdict
A beautiful, youthful Barolo — tart, floral, and nervy, with cherry fruit and soaring acidity. Still climbing toward its peak, but already showing elegance and grace. A wine for patient cellaring, yet utterly captivating today. 🍷
Did You Know?
Barolo is often called “the king of wines and the wine of kings.” Its Nebbiolo grape name comes from nebbia (fog), referencing the autumn mists that blanket Piedmont’s vineyards during harvest.
Hidden Gem 💎
Gianfranco Alessandria is a boutique Barolo producer, crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines that fly under the radar compared to larger names — a true gem for collectors and explorers. — 9 months ago
Cata Terroir Al Limit — 7 years ago
A seriously unique Priorat rose - yes Rose! - from Terrior Al Limit @ €36 of 1,268 bottles & it’s superb 😍 If you can get this give it a go - we loved it! Thanks @gabymeetswine @vilaviniteca for sourcing this gem 👍
📍 Terroir Al Limit Rose Roc D'aubaga 2016
🏵 92 points
🍇 80% Grenache Blanc, 10% Grenache Gris & 10% Grenache Rouge
🍷 Red brick orange rust w/ a brown tone (see Instagram for pic ⏩)
👃 A mesmerising concoction of fruity aromas of apricot jam, red berries, raspberry compote, strawberry marmalade & earthy red cherry w/ a light flinty minerality
👄 Med body of smooth creamy rich red berries & apricot w/ strawberry driven red fruits & a hint of orange, red apple & red cherry
🎯 Long mouth coating of slight sweet red fruits galore in a touch of dry minerality
— 8 years ago


Varietal de profundo rojo con tonalidades doradas que no anuncian un vino ligero. Tonos florales, tierra, vainilla y terroir intenso en nariz. Es un semi seco con tonos de vainilla y pera al paladar. Final largo en boca. — 11 years ago

Stephen Mathews
2016 vintage is my favorite so far — 3 months ago