2017 Barbaresco Asili

Ceretto enjoys a long and close relationship with the Asili cru of Barbaresco. The winery has chosen to fermented these grapes apart since the early 1970s. Their 2017 Barbaresco Asili brings you close to a sense of place. Fruit comes from a 1.3-hectare site with classic Sant'Agata marl soils. Beyond the dark fruit, much of the bouquet recalls crushed stone and iron rust, with other territory-specific aromas that are characteristic of Nebbiolo in its most naked state. You feel a touch of earthiness too, thanks to those slightly looser, open-knit tannins. Shaved truffle, dried blackberry and pressed rose seal the deal.

The 2017 Barbaresco Asili has really come together nicely, despite its recent bottling. Freshly cut flowers, mint and sweet red berry fruit are all laced together nicely. A hint of nervousness remains in the wine's feel, but that won't be an issue in another few years' time.

The 2017 Barbaresco Asili is perfumed and nicely lifted, with lovely red berry and floral character. Although quite attractive, the 2017 at present is a bit lacking in both body and depth. It will be interesting to see if the Asili fleshes over time. Then again, I tasted the 2017 from tank just prior to bottling, a time when sulfur levels are low and wines are not fully expressive.