Michele Chiarlo is one of the best producers of Piedmontese wines. Situated in Calamandrana, in the Monferrato region with vineyards all over Piedmont. 150 hectares of vineyards (from which 10 hectares in Barolo and Barbaresco and 20 hectares in Nizza). Some of these vineyards are located in Piedmont’s most prestigious crus: Cannubi and Cerequio in Barolo, La Court estate in Castelnuvo Calcea, Asili and Faset in Barbaresco and Rovereto in Gavi. The philosophy of the winery is built on the foundation of always prioritizing vocation, history and the prestige of the vineyards. Choices that value excellence over quantity: the Crus are only bottled in the best years. The integrity and perfection of the fruit harvested are the heart of every operation in the winery. Wood is applied in doses, so that its addition does not overpower the character of the grape variety.

History

The first Barolo bottled under the name Michele Chiarlo was in 1958. The first Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera cru vintages were produced in 1978. In the ‘80s they were one of the first to thin out the grape bunches in the vineyard to increase quality and maturation of the selected grapes. In 1988 and 1989, they acquired land in the prestigious Cerequio cru area (La Morra) and Cannubi. In 1995, they added a 20 hectares estate, located in the heart of Barbera d’Asti and Nizza DOCG appellations area.

In 2003, they opened Art Park la Court, the first example of land art displayed amongst the vines.

In the ‘90s, Michele’s two sons joined the company. Guided by the idea “to bring the vineyards to life” they opened Palás Cerequio in 2011. A Relais dedicated to Barolo and located in the heart of this Cru area (La Morra).

The Wines

Tradition is key for Michele Chiarlo wines; they aim to promote the great terroir of Langhe and Monferrato using only indigenous grape varieties Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cortese and Moscato. Work in the vineyard is key always in full respect for the environment! Sustainability is very important to Michele Chiarlo, from the vineyards to the winery. You can already see this when you arrive at the winery in Calamandrana: the exterior vertical garden is beautiful.

4 Barolo wines (Cerequio Riserva DOCG, Cerequio DOCG, Tortoniano Barolo DOCG and Cannubi Barolo DOCG):

Cerequio is considered one of the most prestigious crus of Barolo. It is a beautiful ‘amphitheatre’ of vines that thanks to its perfect position is protected from winds (Riviera of the Langhe). 100 % Nebbiolo grape, 9 hectares. The soil is formed during the Tortanian period (9 million years ago) and is composed of calcareous clay marl that comes from marine sedimentary (rich in microelements such as magnesium and manganese).

Barolo Cerequio Riserva DOCG

Vinification and ageing: Produced only in the best years and from the best grapes of the Cerequio Cru. Small production with a long maturation and ageing, this wine is only available after at least 7 years (4 years ageing in the bottle)! This gives a beautiful complexity and elegance to this wine. It can mature for decades. The alcoholic fermentation 20-25 Hl oak vats, 22 days with the skins with a soft shower system of wetting the cap at a temperature between 32°C and 28°C. An average of 3 years of refinement in large oak casks and 3 years in the bottle.

Tasting notes: It shows the best characteristics of the Cerequio Cru: balsamic notes, freshness, hints of juniper and liquorice

Food pairing: Agliolini (pasta) with truffle from Alba, stew, risotto with Barolo, well-matured cheeses

Ratings: Wine enthusiast 98/100, Robert Parker 95/100, Wine spectator 93/100, James Suckling 94/100

Discover the other Barolo wines here.

3 Barbaresco wines ( Faset, Asili and Reyna DOCG):

Two of the vineyards (Faset and Reyna) belong to the Cascina Cabanet. The soil rich in minerals makes it an excellent area that gives the Barbaresco its silkiness with elegant tannins. Nebbiolo grapes, 3 hectares.

Asili is another parcel that is known for its elegance, complexity, delicacy and silkiness.

Asili Cru

Tasting notes: Complex, delicate, silky with a perfect balance of red fruit and fine spices. At its best after 5-6 years but can age much longer!

Vinification and ageing: Fermentation for 17-18 days with the skins in 20-25 Hl oak vats with a soft shower system of wetting the cap at a temperature between 30°C and 27°C. Minimum 2 years of refinement, aged for 18 months in large average-sized oak casks before refinement in the bottle.

Food pairing: Porcini risotto, roast pork, rack of lamb

Discover the other Barbaresco wines here.

Michele Chiarlo also produces beautiful Barbera wines, white wines, a sweet Moscato wine and Grappa. You can find all the information on https://www.michelechiarlo.it/en/wines/

Why Drink

Michele Chiarlo wines are a perfect reflexion of the beautiful landscape and terroir of Piedmont. They bring you to that romantic place, where we fell in love with these wines!

Written by Bram and Iris