In Piedmont, there are always new things to discover. It could be new grape varieties, new gastronomic specialities or, not least, new winemakers. In late November I had the opportunity to try a number of wines from the excellent producer Michele Chiarlo. It is a relatively new estate that was founded in 1956. They made their first Barolo in 1958. Today Michele Chiarlo and his family own great vineyard locations in the Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi. They also have a beautiful hotel with spa.
I tasted the wines in a very appropriate restaurant, La Vecchia Signora in Stockholm. This restaurant is specialized in wines and food from Piedmont. If you are in Stockholm I recommend a visit. And if you are a football fan you understand the name. And if you are not I can reveal that it is the nickname of the Turin team Juventus.
Michele Chiarlo Gavi Le Marne 2011
Quite subtle on the nose as the many white Italians. Pleasant on the palate, a bit toasty with a floral aftertaste. A wine to drink young and it is perfect with Italian antipasti. The grape is Cortese. Approx. 12 euro.
Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti Superiore Le Orme 2011
Nice fruit on the nose, cherries and other red berries, quite light in style, elegant and with a fresh acidity.
Approx. 12 euro.
Michele Chiarlo La Vespa 2010
An original grape blend of 50% Barbera, 30% Alba rossa and 20 % Syrah. Alba Rossa is an old grape variety that became extinct during the phylloxera. Chiarlo is one of the few producers who grow it today. The wine is complex with a refreshing acidity and a sweet spiciness. Very pleasant. Approx 13 euro.
Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti La Court ” Nizza ” in 2010
An exclusive Barbera which is made only really good years and only in limited quantities, 6000 bottles. Warm, fruity style, good body, complex flavours, high acidity, elegant in style with a long taste. The district of Nizza is known for its fine Barbera. Approx. 26 euro.
Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco Reyna 2009
2009 gave a lovely cherry fruit and a fine tannin structure and length to this elegant Barbaresco. High and very fresh acidity and a generous red fruit flavour. Really very good. Approx 26 euro.
Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cannubi 2009
Intense flavours and good length. Dark berries, ripe tannins, but a bit harsh so you might keep this wine for a few years. But with food it is already delicious. Approx. 45 euro.
Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cerequio 2009
Concentrated but still soft and delicate with fine, ripe tannins, fresh cherry fruit and some tobacco aromas in the finish. Approx. 40 euro.
Michele Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti Nivole 2012
5 % alcohol and 118 grams of sugar per litre. You drink it on its own or with a dessert or a cake. On the nose you have bergamot, citrus, pear and elderberry. It is slightly sparkling which gives it a certain freshness. Approx 8 euro (1/2 bottle).
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If you really want to immerse in Piedmont wines you should go there of course. There is no better way to get to know these delicious wines than a wine tour to Piedmont with BKWine.
The wine travel professionals. Travel to the world’s wine regions with the wine experts and the specialist in wine tours.
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