Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont’s most prestigious wine producers, creating outstanding wines from some of the most exceptional sites in Piedmont, including Barolo’s world-famous Cannubi and Cerequio vineyards. Founded in 1956 by the great Michele Chiarlo and now run by his sons Alberto and Stefano, the Chiarlo philosophy is to capture the terroir from their sustainably cultivated vineyards, which hold the Equalitas certification. With a judicious use of oak, they hand-craft a selection of wines suitable for ageing and some which can be enjoyed earlier. Their stunning collection of Barolo and Barbera wines consistently receive 90+ points from Wine Advocate, James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast.

THE VINTAGE:
2019 saw a mild and generally dry winter with occasional snow fall. April and May experienced heavy rainfall, which delayed flowering, but restored the soil’s water reserves. June was very hot and dry, fortunately two rainfall events in July brought balance back to the vintage, which was at risk of drought. The first half of July saw high maximum temperatures, but this gave way to more autumnal weather resulting in a classic, tardy harvest. 2019 produced low quantities, distinguished by outstanding quality.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Cannubi is one of the most historic crus in Italy, a bottle of 1752 Cannubi still exists! At the centre of the Cannubi Hill is Michele Chiarlo’s vineyard. In collaboration with the University of Changin, it is the first vineyard to be laid out into terraces here, to gain the optimal potential from the terroir. Planted in 1990 on this south-facing slope of over 20%, this site enables the maximum light exposure and perfect maturation. The Helvation and Tortonian soils are greyish calcareous marl, with a basic pH and a sand content of 30%. They are poor in organic substances but rich in magnesium and iron trace elements.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Fermentation took place in 55-hectolitre oak barrels, with 20 days of grape skin contact. The cap was plunged to encourage the extraction of colour, flavours and fine tannins, during which the temperature was maintained at 27° to 30°C. The wine was matured in average-sized oak casks for two years, followed by further refinement in the bottle for at least 15 to 16 months before release.

OUR TASTING NOTE:
Cannubi is the apogee of Barolo. Aromatically intense, aristocratic and with superb persistence, it shows notes of blackcurrants, liquorice, cinnamon, mint and tobacco. Elegant and seductive, with a great structure and a silky texture, this celebrated cru is noted for its extraordinary completeness and personality.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Nebbiolo 100%.