Serre Alte Barolo Riserva 2020
Full-bodied red wine · Tenuta Serre Alte (often associated with high-end boutique or estate production in Piedmont, crafting traditional Barolo)
Vintage: 2020
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
Tenuta Serre Alte (often associated with high-end boutique or estate production in Piedmont, crafting traditional Barolo)
Country
Italy
Vintage
2020
Region & Appellation
Piedmont, Barolo DOCG
Grape Varieties
100% Nebbiolo
Color & Appearance
Translucent ruby red with characteristic pale garnet rim variation and high viscosity, indicating the classic pigmentation and age-worthy profile of Nebbiolo.
Aroma Profile
Intense and complex bouquet featuring dried rose petals, macerated cherries, tar, leather, wild herbs, and subtle hints of truffle and sweet baking spices from oak aging.
Tasting Notes
A powerful and structured initial palate attack opening into a layered mid-palate of red fruit, licorice, and earthy undertones. The finish is remarkably long, lingering with fine structural grip and savory complexity.
Flavor Profile
Ripe red cherry, raspberry, dried cranberry, complemented by savory notes of tobacco leaf, forest floor, white truffle, and a persistent mineral edge.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a firmly structured mouthfeel, powerful extract, and a muscular yet refined texture that coats the palate while maintaining elegance.
Acidity & Tannins
High, refreshing acidity that cuts through the rich fruit and body, paired with high, firm, and assertive Nebbiolo tannins that are fine-grained yet commanding.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry
Alcohol Content
14.5% ABV
Aging & Oak
Extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) in accordance with Riserva regulations, imparting subtle spice and structure without masking the pure varietal expression of Nebbiolo.
Food Pairings
Braised beef short ribs, traditional Piedmontese tajarin pasta with white truffle, roasted game meats, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65°F in a large Burgundy-style glass. Decant for at least 2 to 3 hours prior to serving to allow the complex aromas to open up.
Price Range
$80 - $150 USD
Quality Assessment
Super-premium to icon tier, scoring in the 93-96 point range by major critics for its classic structure, aromatic intensity, and aging potential.
Production Methods
Traditional vinification involving long maceration times on the skins to extract color and tannins, followed by aging in large neutral oak casks and bottle aging before commercial release.
Terroir
Piedmontese hillsides with calcareous-clay and marl soils, enjoying significant diurnal temperature shifts that preserve acidity while achieving optimal phenolic ripeness.
History & Heritage
Rooted in the historical winemaking traditions of the Langhe hills, where Nebbiolo has been cultivated for centuries to produce Italy's most celebrated 'King of Wines'.
Interesting Facts
Barolo Riserva wines must undergo a minimum of five years of aging before release, with at least two of those years spent in oak barrels, ensuring exceptional integration and complexity upon release.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent cellaring potential. Drinking well with decanting in its youth, but will reach its true peak maturity between 10 to 20 years from the vintage date.
Similar Wines
Barolo from traditional producers in Serralunga d'Alba or Monforte d'Alba, Barbaresco, and high-end Brunello di Montalcino.