Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Palas', Michele Chiarlo, Piedmont

Tasting Note

This is Michele Chiarlo's coolest Barbera. A fruity cherry scented wine with its ripe red berried fruit is a vibrant expression of the Barbera grape. Harmonious with great freshness, it has a clean and elegant finish.

Producer Note

Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont'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. Michele has insisted on total quality since his first vintage in 1956, an ethos which his sons Stefano and Alberto adopt today. The Chiarlo style is highly elegant, they make complex wines that can age for decades but above all reflect their provenance - some of the finest vineyard sites in Piedmont. Vintage A not excessively cold winter, but heavy rain and snow created an abundant water reserve. A mild spring led into a warm summer with a complete absence of rain from mid -June until 10th August, which fundamentally contributed to the grapes' perfect ripeness. The weather in September was truly ideal, with excellent diurnal temperature differences leading to a great development of aromas and perfect phenological ripening of the red grapes. These weather conditions enabled a very selective harvesting, waiting until each variety reaches its perfect technological and phenological ripeness. The 2015 is already being hailed as one of the greatest in the last two decades.

Vineyard

Produced from the vineyards in the southern part of Asti, where the soil is clayey and calcareous with a good sand content.

Winemaking

The fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats and lasted for 10 to 12 days with skin contact. Following fermentation, the wine remained in stainless steel tanks for at least eight months in order to maintain its vibrancy and its fresh, fruity varietal aromas.

Serving Suggestion

Enjoy with Piedmontese cold cuts, mushroom risotto and light pasta dishes with shaved truffles.

Grape

Barbera 100%