Michele Chiarlo : Cerequio Riserva 2016

The structure and freshness of a Barolo wine

The estate

The Michele Chiarlo estate’s reputation has been sealed since 1956, when the eponymous oenologist decided to set up his own business producing great Piedmont wines.

His ambition, through his constant striving towards excellence and tailor-made winemaking, was to enhance the terroirs and grape varieties of Piedmont.

Located in the village of Calamandrana, in the heart of the Barolo appellation, Michele Chiarlo's estate produces wines known for their inimitable style, harmoniously combining aromatic complexity with supple, silky tannins.

The vineyard

The Michele Chiarlo estate oversees a mosaic of vineyards spread across 110 hectares that make up a veritable treasure trove in Langhe, the historic terroir of Piedmont in northern Italy.

The wine

Produced since 2006 and only during the great vintages, this Riserva cuvée from Michele Chiarlo was produced from a historic vineyard of Cerequio, a recognised Premier Cru in the Barolo classification. From a surface area of 0.90 hectares, this terroir of vines planted in 1972 rests on a clayey marly-limestone soil.

The vintage

2006 was a year where ideal and regular weather conditions advanced a perfect growth development. The alternation between hot days and cool nights in September and the beginning of October was ideal for refining the ripeness before the harvest which took place between 6 and 12 October.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes were harvested by hand then fermented in oak vats, as well as a 30-day fermentation. This wine benefits from ageing of one year in 700 litre casks, followed by 2 years in big casks. After being bottled, an extra 24 months of ageing took place before the wine was released on the market.

Blend

Nebbiolo (100%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Cerequio Riserva 2016 from Michele Chiarlo

Tasting

Colour
The wine is an intense garnet red.

Nose
Complex and elegant, the nose delights with its freshness. Scents of chocolate, mint and fine spices mingle with balsamic notes that are typical of this Italian terroir.

Palate
Perfectly structured, the palate unveils a silky feel and lingers refreshingly.

Food and wine pairing

Alba truffle tagliolini, stew, risotto or mature cheese are choice pairings for this Barolo wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve at 18°C.