Michele Chiarlo : Cerequio Riserva 2013

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Cerequio Riserva 2013 from Michele Chiarlo

Tasting

Appearance

The wine reveals a brilliant garnet hue with slight orange reflections on the edges of the glass.

Nose

Complex and intensely aromatic, the nose reveals great charm with balsamic notes, violet, small dark berries, truffle and fine spices. With aeration, aromas of Marasca cherry, pomegranate and menthol emerge.

Palate

On the palate, this wine captivates with its balance between structure and finesse. The concentrated palate offers flavors of juicy Marasca cherry, pomegranate, licorice and menthol, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins. The silky, enveloping texture is accompanied by a tangy freshness that maintains an excellent balance through to a compact and lingering finish.

Food and wine pairings

This Barolo pairs perfectly with tagliolini with white Alba truffle, roasted or braised red meats, brasato al Barolo, stews, Barolo risotto, gnocchi with ragù or aged cheeses. Mushroom-based dishes and slow-cooked meats with vegetables also make excellent pairings.

Serving and storage

The Cerequio Riserva 2013 is best enjoyed at a temperature of 18°C. According to critics, this wine can be appreciated between approximately 2023 and 2043, promising excellent aging potential over two decades.

An exceptional Barolo Riserva by Michele Chiarlo

The estate

Founded in 1956 by Michele Chiarlo after his oenology studies in Alba, the Michele Chiarlo estate has established itself as one of the most innovative producers in Piedmont. Spread across approximately 110 to 148 hectares between the Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi, the property is now managed by the founder's sons: Stefano in charge of winemaking and Alberto overseeing commercial development. A pioneer of malolactic fermentation in Italy and a precursor of green harvesting as early as 1984, Michele Chiarlo revolutionized Piedmontese viticulture. The family carries on this legacy of excellence by combining sustainable practices, VIVA certifications and innovations such as the AGEBA project for the genetic preservation of grape varieties in the face of climate change.

The vineyard

Cerequio is one of the 170 classified crus of Barolo, recognized as a menzione geografica aggiuntiva. Located between the communes of La Morra and Barolo, this prestigious vineyard forms a magnificent amphitheater whose exceptional quality was already documented in 1880 by Lorenzo Fantini. Michele Chiarlo began leasing plots in this abandoned area in 1983, producing his first Cerequio in 1988. The family now owns approximately nine hectares of the cru's total sixteen. The soils feature a unique composition of heavy clay, magnesium at four times the normal concentration, limestone and chalk. The optimal southwest exposure and this mineral richness give the wine its characteristic balsamic and fresh notes. The Cerequio Riserva comes exclusively from a rare 0.9-hectare plot within this estate.

The vintage

The 2013 vintage is widely recognized as a particularly successful year for Barolo, favoring complexity, elegance and finesse. After a cool spring and abundant rainfall in May building up water reserves, the summer proved favorable with a warm but not excessive August. The crucial period came in late September and early October, when sunny days combined with cool nights allowed for ideal ripening. The late harvest, approximately ten days later than in previous years, encouraged the development of enhanced aromas and complexity. The 2013 wines stand out for their elegant structure, delicate and fine tannins, and exceptional aging potential reminiscent of the 2006 vintage.

Winemaking and aging

The Cerequio Riserva 2013 is crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo sourced from the 0.9-hectare plot. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a 13 to 14-day maceration in contact with the skins. After fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks before aging for 24 months in large oak casks. This approach favors the use of large-capacity vessels rather than barriques, allowing for subtle and integrated aromatic development without oak dominance. The wine is then further refined in bottle before release.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo