Freddy R. Troya

9.8

Tenuta Cucco – Barolo Riserva “Cerrati Vigna Cucco” 2016. Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this single-vineyard Riserva from Tenuta Cucco expresses the Cerrati cru with elegance and perfume. Aged for extended time as a Riserva, the 2016 is approaching a decade and shows why great Barolo balances power with haunting aromatics. (Educational note: Barolo “Riserva” requires a minimum of 62 months of aging, of which at least 18 are in wood, giving additional depth and complexity.)

Aromas & Flavors
An extraordinary bouquet — roses, violets, and dried lavender pour from the glass like perfume. Dark cherry, red currant, and wild strawberry interlace with anise, tar, and earthy spice. Hints of leather and truffle complete the symphony.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with finely etched tannins, still firm but beautifully integrated. Acidity remains vibrant, lifting the fruit and florals into a long, graceful finish. Nearly ten years old, it sits perfectly in its early maturity window.

Food Pairings
Ideal with Piedmont classics: tajarin pasta with truffles, braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), or game meats. Also superb with aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Taleggio.

Verdict
One of the most aromatic and enticing Barolos tasted in recent memory — so perfumed it feels wearable. Nearly a decade old, this 2016 Riserva is in a glorious drinking window, marrying fragrance, finesse, and structure. 🍷

Did You Know?
“Cerrati” is a celebrated cru in Serralunga d’Alba, known for producing Barolos of aromatic lift and longevity — the source of Tenuta Cucco’s flagship wines.

Hidden Gem 💎
Though not as widely known internationally as the largest Barolo houses, Tenuta Cucco crafts terroir-driven wines of exceptional finesse — treasures for those who seek depth beyond the mainstream names. — a month ago

lalalaima

8.9

Local love 2
— 8 years ago

FabianG

9.2

#wineaccess — 8 months ago

Anthony De Blasi

9.1

A typical Barbera Superiore where the alcoholic heat is too present — 5 years ago

Gus N

9.2

Different story from last bottle. This one still sharp with dark fruits, sweet liquorice, sage and razor sharp acids. Very nice. — 8 years ago

Kim Nordgård

9.2

Very nice🍷 — 9 years ago

Raun Kupiec

9.0

Expressive. Drinking very young with prominent structure. — a year ago

Tom Casagrande

9.4

This is a young but great Barolo. With air, the nose shows beautiful, intense cherry fruit, minerally gravel, licorice, and yes, tar and faded roses. Damn. Really good depth of flavor, nice acidity, lots of fine-grained tannin. Maybe not a 20 year wine but this will get even better over the next several years. — 6 years ago

Sheila G.

9.6

Need to buy more! Earthy with light fruit — 8 years ago

Warren English

9.2

Immediately reminded me of stepping into a winery. Wonderful balance but deep flavor. — 10 years ago