2020 Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo

About the harvest and climate of the 2020 Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo

The Barolo DOCG Cerequio 2020, carefully created by Stefano Chiarlo, is a masterful expression of a year that started with a mild winter and a dry, sunny spring, which initially raised expectations of an early harvest. However, this expectation was adjusted by the rainy months of May and June, which, despite the slowdown in vegetative growth, provided an essential water supply for the summer that was neither too hot nor too dry. What distinguishes the 2020 vintage is the ideal climate during the crucial phase in September, which was mild and dry, allowing the grapes to grow healthily and reach perfect ripeness. This year was characterized by abundant production which, due to the thinning of the grapes at the end of August, was returned to standard levels, further increasing the quality of the fruit.

This wine is located in the prestigious vineyards of La Morra, Barolo, with the first production dating back to 1988. The Cerequio vineyard covers an area of 3 hectares, planted between 1972 and 1990, on soils of calcareous-clayey marls of marine sedimentary origin from the Tortonium, 9 million years ago. These soils are characterized by a basic pH, poor in organic substances, but rich in microelements such as magnesium and especially manganese. Located on a south-southwest facing slope at 320 meters above sea level, the vineyard uses the Guyot method with 4,500 vines per hectare, yielding a careful selection after thinning excess bunches at the end of summer, with an average from 5 to 6 bunches per vine.

The manual harvest of the grapes for Cerequio took place from October 10 to 13, in line with the usual timeline.

2020 Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo vinification process

The vinification process involved fermentation in 55 hl oak barrels for 20 days with the skins on, with a gentle "shower" system to wet the top at a temperature between 27°C and 30°C, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. The maturation lasted a minimum of three years, of which two years in medium oak barrels, prior to refinement in the bottle.

Tasting notes of the 2020 Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo

This Barolo presents itself in a beautiful ruby and garnet red color with brilliant shades. The aroma is complex and full of character, with notes of ripe fruit, mint, eucalyptus, gentian and fine spices. The palate offers a rich structure with a fine network of tannins, which stands out for its elegance and harmony, highlighting the unique qualities of this specific Barolo. Ideally served with grilled dishes, tagliolini with truffle, game and well-matured cheeses, at a recommended serving temperature of 18° C.