Michele Chiarlo "Cipressi" Barbera D'Asti Superiore-Nizza, DOCG, Piedmont, Italy 2018

Overview of the Wine
The wine producing firm of Michele Chiarlo was founded in 1956 by the sole and present owners, Michele and Giuseppina Chiarlo. Son of over seven generations of esteemed wine growers, Mr. Chiarlo is today one of the most respected producers of the fine wines of Piedmont and a leading figure in its viticultural industry.

At the production and vineyard level, where quality begins, Michele Chiarlo has for thirty years pursued an endless search for control over the finest vineyard sites in each of the zones from which he produces his wines. Perhaps the crown jewel among these is the vineyard of Fornace di Tassarolo in the Rovereto area of Gavi, a small parcel planted in 1910 which yields a brilliant and intense Gavi of exquisite refinement. He also has long-term agreements with the owners of two spectacular vineyards in the Castiglione Falleto and Serralunga crus of Barolo, from which he produces Barolo Riserva Rocche di Castiglione and Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda di Serralunga. In addition to these contracts, he has also purchased the Antico Podere Averame in the Cerequio cru of Barolo, considered one of the zone's finest Nebbiolo vineyards; and an estate, also in Barolo in the cru of Cannubi, which due to its extremely sharp gradient had never been cultivated. With considerable capital investment, this vineyard has been terraced and brought into production, the first time such a project has ever been undertaken in Piedmont.

In 1995, Michele Chiarlo acquired the estate of Azienda Agricola Aluffi in Castelnuovo Calcea, considered to the most beautiful and prestigious property in the heart of the classic Barbera d'Asti zone. The estate is comprised of two separate vineyard holdings, La Court and Il Castello, with a total area of 62 acres of which 50 are planted in Barbera vines, quite extensive for this area. The principally southwest and easterly-exposed slopes support superb, calcium and mineral rich soils which are of ideal composition for the production of great Barbera d'Asti.

Michele Chiarlo directly manages or personally oversees every aspect in the production of his wines. Eminently qualified through the expertise acquired through his involvement with the company under his father, he also holds a degree from the prestigious School of Enology at Alba. His ceaseless innovation, both in production and in marketing, has gained him the respesct of his industry.

Origin
Piedmont, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The Cipressi Nizza 2018 is a supple red, packed with fresh blackberry, blueberry, and violet flavors, supported by a firm yet pliant structure. This is persistent, expanding on the finish with a nice sapidity and drinkability.

Ideal pairings for this wine include cured meats, pasta with meat sauce, risotto, fillet, guinea fowl, and medium-aged goat cheeses.

90 Points - Wine Spectator
This supple red is packed with fresh blackberry, blueberry and violet flavors, supported by a firm yet pliant structure. This is persistent, expanding on the finish. Drink now.

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Nizza Cipressi is a generous and abundant red wine that shows the latitude and versatility of the native Piedmont Barbera grape. It opens to dark intensity and sweet aromas of blackberry, plum and black currant. Soft tones of cinnamon and baking spice also appear. The only thing missing is the bracing acidity that this grape is known for. Instead, the Chiarlo team has finessed softer and more polished results.

Product size: 750ml