Schiavenza Barolo Cerretta 2016

In a vintage as legendary as 2016, Schiavenza’s hands-off approach paid off in a big way. Their standard implementation of native yeasts, cement tanks, and those big, neutral Slavonian oak barrels let the fruit actually speak for itself.

The Cerretta vineyard sits in a sweet spot where the soil types of the region start to mingle, and you can really taste that tension. It’s got all the classic “king of wines” hallmarks—dried roses, tar, and a deep, woodsy iron—but it’s also remarkably sleek. Think dark cherry, black tea, and a hit of salty licorice, all wrapped up in tannins that feel like heavy silk. It’s brawny, sure, but it’s the kind of strength that’s quiet and confident rather than loud.