Azelia, Barolo Cerretta, 2020

Cerretta is one of the most esteemed vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba, known for producing Barolos with muscular structure, iron-rich minerality, and profound aging capacity. Azelia, a historic family-run estate with five generations of winemaking experience, has long been a quiet force in Barolo—and their Cerretta bottling is a standout in their single-cru lineup.

The 2020 vintage, marked by balance and approachability despite its warm, dry conditions, brings clarity and focus to this normally imposing cru. The wine opens with aromas of black cherry, violet, tar, and crushed rock, followed by a palate of dense fruit, firm tannins, and a salty, earthy backbone. There's tension and grip here, but also polish—a wine that's imposing but not austere.

While approachable with air in its youth, this Cerretta will benefit greatly from 8–15+ years of cellaring, developing layers of savory complexity, dried flowers, and balsamic depth over time.