Michele Chiarlo : Asili 2018

The elegance and complexity of a Piedmont red wine by Michele Chiarlo

The estate

The eponymous Michele Chiarlo estate has been writing its reputation since 1956, when this oenologist decided to create his own estate and produce fine Piedmont wines.

His goal? To make the very most of the terroirs and grape varieties of Piedmont and to reveal their unique personality through constantly seeking excellence and carrying out a tailor-made vinification process.

Located in the village of Calamandrana, in the heart of the Barolo appellation, Michele Chiarlo's estate produces wines known for their inimitable style, that harmoniously combine aromatic complexity with supple and silky tannins.

The vineyard

A benchmark among fine Piedmont wines, the Michele Chiarlo estate watches over a patchwork of vineyards that spread over 110 hectares and thus make up a true treasure trove in the Langhe region in northern Italy.

The wine

Produced since 1996, Michele Chiarlo's Barbaresco Asili is made from a vineyard of round 1 hectare, facing southwest. The vines are 30 years old on average and are planted on soils composed of calcareous marl with little clay. The soil is rich in magnesium and calcium, and is low in organic matter.

The vintage

The late winter preceded a spring marked by abundant snow followed by rainy spells, which enabled the water reserves to be readjusted after a very dry 2017. These conditions led to rapid intervention by the estate's team in May to maintain the vineyard’s healthy condition. The hot, dry summer enabled the vineyard to develop to such an extent that it was necessary to remove 30 to 35% of the excess bunches in order to ensure optimal and even ripening. The alternation of warm days and cool nights during September was a favourable condition until the harvest, which began on 7 October and allowed the harvest of healthy and perfectly ripe grapes.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are vinified in 55hl oak tuns with cork wetting. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for a minimum of two years, including 18 months in medium-sized barrels, and then further aged in the bottle before being sold.

The blend

Michele Chiarlo's Barbaresco Asili 2018 is a 100% Nebbiolo.

Michele Chiarlo's Barbaresco Asili 2018: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful garnet red with bright reflections.

Nose

The aerial nose reveals with great finesse fragrances of violet, red fruit and fine spices.

Palate

Complex, the palate is seduced by this wine’s silky tannins and its exceptional length.

Food and wine pairing

Michele Chiarlo's 2018 Barbaresco Asili is ideal with porcini risotto, roast pork or rack of lamb.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve at 18°C.