By Alessandra Piubello
The family, for over twenty years, has been pursuing a path of art with modern patronage
An aesthetic choice that reveals the strong link with contemporary art and modern architecture that emerged since the 1980s, and has become, with the new millennium and the entry into the winery of the third generation, an unmistakable hallmark in the wake of enhancement of the landscape. With a sense of authentic responsibility towards their land, the Ceretto family has been pursuing their own artistic path for over 20 years, with a modern patronage that tends towards beauty as an open space in which to find oneself to cultivate one’s history and give it meaning. new. World famous architects, artists and designers are periodically involved in various projects.
“ Let’s take the Barolo Chapel for example .”
The Chapel of SS. Madonna delle Grazie , built in 1914 as a shelter for those who worked in the surrounding vineyards in case of storms or hailstorms and never consecrated, was bought, reduced to a ruin, by the Ceretto family. It was transformed by Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett becoming a symbol of beauty.
Another realization that we can define as landscape architecture is the Cubo , on the top of Bricco Rocche in Castiglione Falletto. Example of modern and technological art placed as a seal of tradition and conservation of a masterpiece of nature, Barolo. The Cubo has sharp edges and a solid base, just as Barolo is angular at its birth, with a sturdy supporting structure and great longevity. The use of unframed glass, in order not to obstruct the view, enhances the surrounding landscape.
One of the most impressive works is the Acino : a large oval bubble suspended between the vines, representing a grape. An area used for tasting and promoting cultural meetings and events overlooking the beautiful hills of the Langhe. A light, totally transparent object that blends harmoniously into the surrounding environment.
In their patronage of artists, the Ceretto family built the artist’s house , immersed in the vineyards of the Monsordo Bernardina estate. A modern loft created by recovering an old farmhouse, the ideal place to invite artists from all over the world to spend some time in the Langhe, to get to know them and get inspired, as Kiki Smith, James Brown, Francesco Clemente, Miquel Barcelò and Gary have already done Hume.
Another work is Ovunque Guardimi , a gate-sculpture designed by the artist Valerio Berruti. It was designed to delimit, or protect, as the name suggests, the land of Bricco Rocche, one of the crus symbol for the production of the Barolos of the Ceretto house. The two subjects, united when the gate is closed, reveal a particular relationship with the surrounding area. Looking at them outside, one gets the impression that they are turning their gaze to the cellar. In the same way, moving your point of view inside the gate, you find them again from behind, with your eyes ideally turned to the Serralunga Castle.
The Ceretto family, also owners of the three-star Michelin restaurant Piazza Duomo in Alba entrusted to chef Enrico Crippa, also commissioned a work of art there with the fresco by Francesco Clemente. A gigantic grape leaf, a tribute to the client family, which embraces a globe, while the branches branch into a series of metaphorical images along the 4 walls of the room.
The Cerettos also promote exhibitions, displays and performances by characters such as Patti Smith and Marina Abramović , capable of attracting not only visitors to the area, but the attention of the whole world.
