Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti Superiore Le Orme 2017
A fresh and approachable Barbera with flavours of red cherry and cinnamon enhanced by wild herb tones.
Michele Chiarlo is one of Piemonte's truly great winemakers. The family owns 60 hectares of vineyards in three of the classic growing areas - Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi and also have access to another 50 hectares through their long-term relationship with growers. Stefano Chiarlo heads the technical staff overseeing the vineyards and viticulture. Stefano's ethos can be summed up thus: a balanced or rigorous pruning depending on the oenological goals, a technique of guided pest control using products with no environmental impact, meticulous manual thinning-out of the grape clusters, tuffing between the rows, no use of anti-mould products. The Dolcetto is a wonderful grape, spritzy and spicy with great acidity; La Court (the first wine ever made by Michele) is the big seller and rightly so, with its beautiful balance and wild berry fruit; the highlight for many is the Barolos, with Cerequio being one of the most lauded vineyards in the whole of Barolo. The one which has them queueing round the block is the classy Nivole, a fantastically refreshing Moscato. Michele Chiarlo wines continue to win awards worldwide.
Vinification
The fruit is picked when it is fully ripe and each Vineyard block is fermented separately. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is racked into French oak puncheons for 8 months followed by a minimum of 4 months in bottle.
Viticulture
Cordon
Tasting Note
Sweet juicy fruit with hints of flowers and spice that intermingle. Very attractive with a lingering finish
Everyday Serving Suggestion
An ideal match with cured meats filled pasta or red meats.
Awards
Siver (DWWA 2011)
Silver (IWC 2011).
Country / Region / Appellation
IT / Piedmont / Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG
Winemaker
Stefano Chiarlo & Gianni Meleni
Additional Resources:
http://www.michelechiarlo.it/