Domenico Clerico : Pajana 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Barolo Pajana 2018 by Domenico Clerico

Tasting

Colour
The wine displays a deep ruby red hue.

Nose
The nose reveals great aromatic complexity, marked by intense notes of red fruit, particularly raspberry and black cherry. With aeration, mineral and bark aromas emerge, reflecting the limestone soils of the Ginestra cru. Delicate touches of spice, smoke, dried herbs and iris complete this sophisticated bouquet.

Palate
On the palate, the wine unfolds a dense, layered structure. Black cherry fruit forms the backbone, while secondary aromas of dried herbs, tar and floral notes bring remarkable depth. Refined, well-integrated tannins provide a structured presence without overshadowing the fruit. The lively, well-defined acidity delivers freshness and balance, leading to a long finish with mineral and aromatic accents.

Food and wine pairing

This Barolo Pajana 2018 pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, such as beef fillet, rib of beef or rack of lamb served with a pepper or herb sauce. It also elevates pasta dishes, while aged Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano make classic pairings. Truffle or mushroom dishes, as well as game such as venison with grilled radicchio, reveal the full complexity of this wine.

Serving and cellaring

The Barolo Pajana 2018 benefits from 30 to 60 minutes of decanting before serving, allowing the wine to breathe and fully develop its aromas. It is best served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Although already approachable thanks to the charming character of the 2018 vintage, this wine has an estimated ageing potential until around 2038, depending on storage conditions.

An elegant, structured Barolo from the prestigious Ginestra cru in Monforte d'Alba

The estate

Founded in 1976 by Domenico Clerico, the estate now covers 21 hectares in Monforte d'Alba, in Piedmont. A pioneer of the “Barolo Boys” movement in the 1980s, Domenico Clerico revolutionised Barolo production by combining innovative techniques with absolute respect for the terroir. Since his death in 2017, the estate has been run by his wife Giuliana Clerico, together with her niece Cecilia and nephew Orlando, with Oscar Arrivabene as technical director. The Domenico Clerico estate remains internationally renowned for its exceptional wines, which express the very essence of the great crus of Monforte d'Alba and are grown according to organic viticulture principles.

The vineyard

Planted in 1971, the Pajana vineyard covers around 1.2 hectares within the prestigious Ginestra cru, in Monforte d'Alba in Barolo. Located at an altitude of 350 metres with a south-southeast exposure, it enjoys optimal sunshine throughout the growing season. The soils consist of geological formations from the Serravallian age, characterised by grey marl alternating with siliceous sandstone, with a calcium carbonate and iron content that gives them a distinctive reddish-grey colour. The name Pajana comes from an old mountain road that historically linked Monforte d'Alba to Serralunga d'Alba. This particular terroir brings out the most elegant and aromatic nuances of the Ginestra cru, while retaining the structure and ageing potential characteristic of Monforte d'Alba.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Piedmont began with a long winter and abundant rainfall, replenishing the soils' water reserves after the drought of 2017. Winter temperatures proved cooler than in previous years. Vegetative growth progressed gradually over the summer, with temperatures rising from mid-July, followed by a period of favourable and stable weather conditions. September was particularly beneficial for the vines, allowing the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. The Nebbiolo harvest began in early October, in line with the traditional calendar, and lasted around three weeks. The 2018 vintage produced elegant, energetic and aromatic Barolo wines with refined, well-integrated tannins, offering a remarkable balance between immediate approachability and ageing potential.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes for the Barolo Pajana 2018 are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. Plot-by-plot vinification takes place with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled vats, with manual pump-overs. Maceration lasts around three weeks, allowing full extraction of tannins and aromatic compounds while preserving the wine's freshness. Ageing takes place mainly in large oak casks, as the estate has gradually reduced its use of barriques in favour of larger vessels to showcase the pure expression of the terroir. This approach yields clean, balanced wines that are true to their geographical origin.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo