Michele Chiarlo stands as a venerable estate within Piedmont, celebrated for its meticulous approach to expressing the region's most esteemed terroirs. This Barbaresco DOCG 'Asili' 2015 exemplifies their dedication, sourced from one of Barbaresco's most revered Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive (MGA).
The 'Asili' cru, situated in the commune of Barbaresco, is renowned for its calcareous-clay soils and favourable south-westerly aspect, which contribute to Nebbiolo grapes of exceptional aromatic complexity and refined tannic structure. The 2015 vintage in Piedmont was marked by a warm, consistent growing season, yielding wines with excellent ripeness, concentration, and a robust framework for extended cellaring.
Chiarlo's winemaking for 'Asili' typically involves a careful balance of traditional and contemporary techniques, often employing a combination of large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barrels for maturation. This judicious oak regime allows the inherent elegance and nuanced character of the Asili Nebbiolo to shine through, promising a wine of profound depth and longevity.
Tasting notes
The Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco 'Asili' 2015 presents a luminous garnet hue, hinting at its evolving complexity. On the nose, an intricate bouquet unfolds with classic Nebbiolo markers: dried rose petals, violet, and red cherry, interwoven with more savoury notes of liquorice, tar, and a subtle hint of forest floor. The palate is both powerful and graceful, showcasing a core of ripe red berry fruit, balanced by vibrant acidity and a firm yet polished tannic structure characteristic of the Asili cru. Layers of spice, mineral, and a touch of balsamic emerge, leading to a remarkably long, persistent finish. This is a Barbaresco of significant pedigree, poised for further development over the next decade and beyond.