Michele Chiarlo : Cerequio 2012

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Cerequio 2012 from Michele Chiarlo

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a ruby red hue with luminous highlights.

Nose

The nose reveals a complex and elegant bouquet, expressing aromas of ripe red fruits accompanied by sweet spice notes. Nuances of menthol and balsamic touches further enrich the aromatic palette, bringing freshness and depth.

Palate

On the palate, this wine captivates with its elegance and balance. The tannins are silky and refined, enveloping the palate with delicacy. The structure is harmonious, carried by a beautiful concentration of red fruits and a lingering finish with spicy accents.

Food and wine pairing

This Barolo pairs ideally with grilled or roasted red meats, game, and dishes featuring mushrooms or truffle. It also goes beautifully with elaborate dishes such as porcini risotto or fresh pasta with white truffle.

Serving and storage

It is recommended to serve the Cerequio 2012 at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for approximately one hour before serving will allow the wine to fully reveal its aromatic complexity.

An elegant Barolo from a prestigious cru in Piedmont

The estate

Founded in 1956, the Michele Chiarlo house has established itself as an essential reference in Piedmont. Based in Calamandrana, the estate spans approximately 110 hectares of vines across the region's most prestigious appellations. Since the passing of Michele Chiarlo in 2023, his two sons, Stefano and Alberto Chiarlo, have carried on the family legacy. Stefano oversees winemaking and vineyard management, while Alberto leads commercial operations. The house stands out for its pioneering commitment to sustainable viticultural practices and its VIVA certification since 2011, reflecting a respectful approach to the environment and terroirs.

The vineyard

The Cerequio vineyard, located in the commune of La Morra within the Barolo appellation, ranks among the most prestigious crus in the region. Positioned at approximately 320 meters above sea level, it benefits from an ideal south-west exposure and a particularly favorable microclimate. The soils are composed of calcareous marls dating from the Tortonian epoch, rich in magnesium and manganese. This unique geological composition gives the wines a characteristic mineral elegance. The vines are trained using the Guyot system, with yields strictly limited to five or six clusters per vine through rigorous green harvesting. The grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness.

The vintage

The 2012 vintage in Piedmont was characterized by a particularly cold and wet winter, followed by a cool and rainy spring. Difficult flowering conditions in June naturally reduced yields. Summer was then marked by high temperatures and relative drought, offset by the water reserves accumulated during winter. Beneficial rains in late August and early September allowed for optimal final ripening. The harvest took place in early October under favorable weather conditions. This vintage produced elegant wines with beautiful freshness and remarkable balance, with moderate alcohol levels favoring finesse.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Cerequio 2012 are vinified in large 55-hectoliter oak vats, allowing for gentle and controlled extraction. Maceration on the skins lasts approximately twenty days, with a gentle cap-irrigation system and a fermentation temperature controlled between 27 and 30°C. After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation takes place in the same vats. The wine is then aged for approximately 24 months in large 50 to 60-hectoliter oak casks, favoring terroir expression over wood influence. Additional bottle aging precedes release.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo