Michele Chiarlo Barolo Tortoniano 2012
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 enviromental 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 are 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
Fermentation in temperature controlled tanks with maceration on skins. Aged for 2 years in oak barrels and 10 months in bottle
Viticulture
Guyot
Tasting Note
From the Nebbiolo grape grown around the town of Barolo, this wine is full and complex with a rich and intense aroma. Well structured with earthy notes and firm tannins through to an elegantly long finish.
Everyday Serving Suggestion
This wine has the intensity and structure to match richly flavoured foods such as rabbit ragout or flavoursome game dishes.
Awards
Silver (Decanter World Wine Awards 2010)
Country / Region / Appellation
IT / Piedmont / Barolo DOCG
Winemaker
Stefano Chiarlo & Gianni Meleni
Additional Resources:
http://www.michelechiarlo.it/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSZUg4i7sRI