Barolo Ceste 1996
The 1996 Barolo from Ceste is a classic Italian red wine holding the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) classification. It is bottled by the estate Az. Agr. Ceste Franco. The wine is crafted from Nebbiolo, a premier Italian grape variety known for yielding elegant wines with significant structure, primarily cultivated in Barolo, Barbaresco, and throughout Piemonte.
This wine originates from Barolo, a highly esteemed wine area located in the Langhe hills southwest of Alba. Barolo is deeply tied to the Nebbiolo grape and stands as one of Italy's most iconic appellations. The 1996 vintage from this area achieved a score of 91 points and is characterized by a tight structure.
The broader Piemonte region, situated in northwestern Italy and bordered by the Alps, translates literally to "at the foot of the mountain." It is celebrated worldwide for its small, passionate, family-run wineries and a profound dedication to terroir. The dramatic, steep hills of the Langhe subregion are often blanketed in thick morning fog during the autumn, which protects the vineyards and facilitates a long ripening period for the grapes. Beyond its viticulture, Piemonte is a renowned gastronomic destination, famous for its exclusive Alba white truffles and local hazelnuts.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE
We will help you throughout the journey. Here you can read our guide on how to treat the wine. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to write or call us.
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