Michele Chiarlo – Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza, La Court – 2020

PRODUCER NOTE:
Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont’s most prestigious winemakers, producing outstanding wines from some of the most exceptional sites in Piedmont, including Barolo’s world famous Cannubi and Cerequio vineyards. Founded in 1956 by Michele Chiarlo and now run by his sons Alberto and Stefano, the Chiarlo philosophy “is to capture the terroir” and with judicious use of oak they develop some wines 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.

VINTAGE:
The 2020 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 2020 are very good quality.

VINEYARD:
The grapes come from the La Court vineyard. A prestigious site originating from the 1800s, the single parcel covers three hectares. The vineyard has a southeast to south western exposures at 240 metres above sea-level and produces very low yields. The vines are Guyot trained. The soils are designated as ‘Artisane Sands’ which consist of calcareous clay marl of sedimentary marine origin with high lime and sand content. They produce ample, intense and elegant wines with good structure and longevity. Manually harvested.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were fermented on the skins in 55 hectolitre oak barrels for 15 days at controlled temperatures of between 27° to 30°C. A gentle shower system of submerging the cap was used to extract flavour, colour and structure. Malolactic conversion took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine was refined for 30 months. Oak maturation lasted for 12 months: 50% in 55 hectolitre French oak barrels and 50% in Allier oak barriques, followed by a further 18 months in bottle prior to release.

TASTING NOTE:
An appealing and structured wine, which is complex and elegant with layers of black cherry, cocoa and coffee. Harmoniously balanced, it has a velvety palate and a long, silky finish. Its richness and elegance places it amongst the finest wines in Chiarlo’s portfolio.

GRAPE:
Barbera 100%.

COUNTRY:
Italy

REGION:
Piedmont

SUB-REGION:
Nizza