Michele Chiarlo - Barolo Cerequio 2019
In the heart of the Langhe, between the municipalities of La Morra and Barolo, Cerequio belongs to those historic terroirs that have contributed to the international renown of the great Piedmontese wines. Its vineyard forms a particularly well-exposed natural amphitheater, protected from the winds and benefiting from such a favorable microclimate that it has been nicknamed the "Riviera of the Langhe." Since the 19th century, this cru was recognized for the exceptional quality of its geographical location, before being listed among the most prestigious terroirs in the famous classification established by Renato Ratti in 1965. Michele Chiarlo, whose house was founded in 1956, has made Cerequio one of the emblematic expressions of its expertise, producing its first single-vineyard cuvée in 1988. Located at about 320 meters altitude, its vines benefit from a southern exposure and soils made up of marine-origin clay-limestone marls, formed nearly nine million years ago. Poor in organic matter but rich in magnesium and manganese, these soils help shape Nebbiolos of remarkable depth, where the natural power of the grape variety is accompanied by a particular elegance. The Barolo Cerequio thus embodies a classic interpretation of this great terroir, combining concentration, aromatic complexity, and exceptional aging potential.
The 2019 vintage stands out for particularly favorable climatic conditions for the production of great Barolos for aging. After winter rains that created significant water reserves, the relatively cool and rainy spring was followed by a hot summer, punctuated by welcome rains at the beginning of July. The significant temperature variations observed in September and early October then allowed the Nebbiolo to reach progressive ripeness while retaining its freshness and aromatic richness. The grapes come from a three-hectare vineyard, planted between 1972 and 1990, whose yields are controlled by a summer thinning that keeps only five to six clusters per vine. The manual harvest took place from October 6 to 10, allowing perfectly ripe grapes with beautiful concentration to be picked. Fermentation was carried out for twenty days in 55-hectoliter oak vats, with delicate cap watering to promote a gradual extraction of tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine benefited from two years of aging in medium-capacity oak casks, followed by bottle aging, for a total maturation of at least three years.
The Barolo Cerequio 2019 reveals a deep ruby color with bright garnet reflections, announcing a wine whose complexity expresses itself from the very first moments. Its bouquet combines ripe red fruits, black cherry, and dried rose petals with characteristic hints of mint, eucalyptus, and gentian, delicately enhanced by fine spices. Upon aeration, balsamic and licorice notes enrich this aromatic palette, gradually revealing the full personality of the cru. On the palate, the attack has remarkable density, supported by a framework of tight and silky tannins that confer an imposing structure to the wine without ever compromising its elegance. The natural freshness of the vintage brings precision to this generous matter, while the finish extends on spices, ripe fruits, and delicate balsamic sensations. Still young, this great Barolo has considerable aging potential and should develop, over the years, nuances of white truffle, leather, and undergrowth, while maintaining its remarkable harmony. It will pair magnificently with Alba white truffle tajarin, roasted pigeon, herb-crusted rack of lamb, veal braised in Barolo, or a long-aged Castelmagno.
Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo
