Such a different wine to the Cerretta, though both are typically Serralunga, if that makes any sense. Importer: Mezzanine

A little bit earthy and suede-like in initial aromatics, but quickly into ripe cherry, aniseed, sweet spice, dried herb and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, firm and almost earthy with fine chalk and gravel-laced tannin, a subtle candied edge to its cherry and red fruits, strong ‘mineral’ feel, liquorice, density and sure carriage, and a long finish offering freshness and grip of tannin. Takes a bit of opening up, but the makings are so good. Distinctive and excellent.

The Giovanni Rosso 2016 Barolo Serra shows a dark and richer quality of fruit (next to the Cerretta) with black cherry and plum, backed by clayey aromas with grilled herb and camphor ash. Both these wines are beautifully characteristic of Serralunga d'Alba, known for its powerful and rich interpretations of Nebbiolo. I very much admire the tannic management shown by this wine from the Serra vineyard. It is a little tight and astringent at this young stage of course, but it also shows an inner silkiness that should serve nicely as the wine continues its bottle evolution.

The 2016 Barolo Serra is an absolutely gorgeous wine. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, chalk, mint and white pepper give the Serra a super-distinctive, bright upper register. Pulsating acids and beams of supporting tannin shape this nervous, taut Barolo. Although it is translucent in the glass, this classically-leaning Barolo has plenty of heft too. It's one of the finest wines I have tasted from Davide Rosso.