2013 Ciabot Berton Barolo Roggeri DOCG, Piedmont

Aromas of terracotta, rust, hazelnuts and dried strawberries follow through to a full body. Round, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. This has a soft texture. Drink or hold.

93 points jamessuckling.com

Ciabot Berton Barolo Roggeri DOCG is a classic, site driven Barolo that captures the power and authority of Serralunga d’Alba, one of Barolo’s most structured and age worthy communes. The Roggeri cru sits on south facing slopes just outside the village, with compact limestone and clay soils that naturally produce Nebbiolo of depth, firm tannin and long life. This is a vineyard known for muscle and seriousness rather than immediate charm.

Ciabot Berton is a traditional family estate, now run by the brothers Marco and Stefano Oberto, whose philosophy is firmly rooted in respect for site and classical Barolo winemaking. The approach is patient and restrained. Long macerations, careful extraction and extended ageing in large oak casks allow the character of Roggeri to emerge clearly without modern gloss or excessive oak influence.

In the glass, the wine is deep and complex, gradually revealing its layers. Rose petal, dried cherry and red plum sit alongside tar, liquorice and earthy spice. With air, more savoury notes emerge. Truffle, forest floor, tobacco and iron rich minerality speak clearly of Serralunga’s soils and the wine’s serious intent.

On the palate, this is a Barolo of structure and grip. Red fruit and dried cherry flavours lead, followed by savoury herbal and earthy notes. The tannins are firm and persistent, finely grained but authoritative, giving the wine its backbone and longevity. Acidity is vibrant, lifting the wine and keeping it balanced despite its power. The finish is long, dry and resonant, echoing florals, tar and mineral depth.

This is a wine built for patience. While it can be approached young with extended decanting, Ciabot Berton Barolo Roggeri truly rewards time in the cellar. Over fifteen to twenty five years it will develop deeper truffle, leather and savoury complexity while retaining its core of structure and freshness. At the table, it shines with braised meats, game, truffle dishes or richly flavoured Piedmontese cuisine.

Ciabot Berton Barolo Roggeri DOCG is a serious, classical Barolo that speaks clearly of Serralunga d’Alba. Powerful, structured and deeply expressive, it is a wine for Nebbiolo lovers who value tradition, patience and terroir.