Domenico Clerico : Barolo 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the 2022 Barolo by Domenico Clerico

Tasting

Appearance
The glass reveals a ruby red hue of medium intensity, enhanced by garnet and orange reflections typical of its evolution.

Nose
The nose offers an intense and complex aromatic bouquet. It reveals aromas of red and black fruits such as plum, cherry and blackberry, harmoniously blended with floral notes of rose and violet. Subtle mineral, earthy and tar-like touches enrich the whole.

Palate
On the palate, this red wine stands out for its ample structure and its velvety, elegant tannins. A lovely freshness, carried by a crisp acidity, balances the warmth of the year. The mid-palate gives way to spicy notes, stretching towards a long finish where the oak influence integrates perfectly with the characteristics of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings
This wine pairs wonderfully with characterful meats such as braised beef, dry-aged steak or game in sauce. It also enhances dishes featuring white truffle, wild mushroom risottos, as well as aged cheeses such as Parmesan, Pecorino or Gorgonzola.

Serving and cellaring
This 2022 Barolo can be enjoyed from spring 2026, but it will reveal its full tasting potential between 2027 and 2032 at the earliest. Stored under optimal conditions, it can continue to evolve in the cellar until 2038.

The authentic and fruity expression of a great red wine from Piedmont

The estate
The history of the Domenico Clerico estate began in 1976 when he took over the family farm located in Piedmont, Italy. A visionary, he quickly decided to devote himself exclusively to the production of high-quality wines, becoming a major figure in the region's winemaking revolution. Having grown from 4 to 21 hectares of vines, the estate is today run by his widow Giuliana and his niece, alongside winemaker and director Oscar Arrivabene. Together, they carry on the founder's philosophy, combining technical innovation with deep respect for the terroir.

The vineyard
Located in the heart of the Barolo appellation, more specifically in the commune of Monforte d'Alba, the vineyard benefits from a great diversity of microclimates and exposures. The vines flourish on ancient, compact soils of marine origin, composed of sandstone and limestone. This particular geology forces the vine stocks to root deeply in order to draw water and nutrients, giving the grapes a robust tannic structure and great aromatic richness.

The vintage
The year was marked by particularly hot and dry weather conditions. After a snowless winter and limited water reserves, the vegetative cycle faced an intense summer drought. The vines naturally regulated themselves, producing small, highly concentrated berries. Welcome rains at the end of August allowed optimal ripeness and perfect sanitary conditions to be reached, leading to a particularly early harvest, completed in early October.

Winemaking and aging
For this 2022 Barolo, the vinifications were adapted to the conditions of the year, with slightly lowered fermentation temperatures and gentler extractions. After a maceration and fermentation lasting around thirty days, the wine benefits from meticulous aging. It first rests for sixteen months in French oak barrels, of which approximately 10% are new, then for a further sixteen months in large 50-hectolitre casks. The whole is then refined in the bottle for at least one year before its release.

Grape variety
100% Nebbiolo.