Barolo Tortoniano, Michele Chiarlo

Producer Note

Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont's truly great winemakers. The family owns 60 hectares of vineyard in three of the classic growing areas - Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi and have access to a further 50 hectares through long-term relationships with their 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

The 2016 vintage started with a cool spring which was followed by a hot, dry summer. Temperatures rose in June and July, which resulted in healthy canopies and vines. August saw cooler nights which helped to balance the heat of the day and promote the ripening of the berries, while retaining a balancing, refreshing acidity. The conditions at harvest were excellent and the wines of 2016 are very good quality.

Vineyard

The vineyard sits on a southeast to south westerly orientation and the vines are trained according to the Guyot method. The vines are thinned during the summer months to control the health and vigour of the vine. The soils are from the Tortonian geological area of La Mora and Barolo, which is characterised by sedimentary clay and Sant'Agata marl interspersed with grey-blue sandstone. A significant presence of microelements specifically magnesium and manganese enhances the soil's complexity. The grapes are manually harvested at optimum maturity.

Winemaking

Fermentation took place in temperature controlled tanks with 17 to 18 days' maceration on the skins. A gentle 'shower system' of wetting the cap was used during fermentation which took place at between 27 to 32°C. Malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine was then aged for two years in oak casks, followed by a further 12 months in bottle prior to release.

Tasting Note

A complex and full bodied wine with inviting aromas of deep fruits, rose petals, juniper berries and hint of fine spice. The palate shows a wonderful harmony, with silky tannins and remarkable elegance and persistence.

Serving Suggestion

Fettuccini with porcini, Barolo braised pigeon, matured cheese.

Grape

Nebbiolo 100%