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The History and Significance of Ceretto Wines

The Ceretto winery, established in the 1930s, has a rich history that reflects its commitment to innovation and respect for the land. Riccardo Ceretto, the founder, began producing wine from purchased grapes since he did not own any vineyards at the time. However, it was his sons Bruno and Marcello who revolutionized the business by recognizing the crucial importance of the land itself, a groundbreaking concept during that era. Despite the lingering memories of rural poverty in the Langhe region, vividly portrayed in Beppe Fenoglio's novel "La Malora" ("Ruin"), Riccardo hesitated to invest in land acquisition.

In the 1960s, Bruno and Marcello embarked on a transformative journey, meticulously mapping the vineyards that yielded the finest wines and acquiring them. Their profound connection to the region solidified, and they never left again.

A Family with a Shared Vision

Ceretto Wines looks to the future as a united family with a common vision. Guided by respect for expertise, they make collective decisions, offering those who contribute to the company and the territory the necessary resources to realize their shared vision.

A New Perspective on Terroir

In the early 2000s, Alessandro Ceretto, representing the third generation of the family, joined the company after studying oenology and gaining valuable experience in wineries across the globe, including Australia. He observed the challenges of capturing the essence of Langhe's terroir and expressing it in their wines. Through inspiration from progressive French producers like Pierre Overnoy in Jura and Nicolas Joly in Loire, Alessandro discovered the importance of minimizing human intervention to truly understand terroir's characteristics. This required setting aside conventional oenology practices, which relied on predetermined recipes that opposed the unique nature of the terroir.

Shifting their approach, Alessandro began working by subtraction. Starting in 2008, he implemented a fermentation process for the crus (referred to as 'bricchi' in the local dialect, representing the hilltop vineyards) without the use of selected yeasts. This method, utilizing a pied de cuve to initiate fermentation, presented another benefit—it ensured consistent fermentation and maceration durations of approximately 20 days, while naturally protecting the must from the carbon dioxide released during the process.

Additionally, over the past two decades, Ceretto Wines has progressively reduced the use of new wood, referring to barrels that have never held wine, in their cellars. This decision aligns with their overarching philosophy of minimal intervention. By avoiding the influence of new wood's aromas and tannins, the distinctive scents of each wine are allowed to shine through.

Experience Ceretto Wines at The Reserve Cellar

Explore the extraordinary history and philosophy behind Ceretto Wines, renowned for their commitment to terroir and innovation. Visit The Reserve Cellar, your premier destination for exceptional wines, and discover the unique expressions of Ceretto Wines.

Immerse yourself in their distinguished heritage and savour the remarkable flavours that only terroir-driven wines can offer.