Michele Chiarlo, Reyna, Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, 2019

SPECIAL PURCHASE - Hard to get a wine like this for less than $50 

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 autumn-winter season began with heavy rain in November and moderate snowfall in December; the weather was dry from January until early February, when snowfall was experienced. These conditions allowed for the accumulation of an excellent water reserve that proved to be invaluable for the summer season. February and March were characterized by a mild and dry weather; April and May experienced abundant rain that rebalanced the vegetation of the vines, resulting in different germination between the upper and lower parts of the hills. May and June were characterized by a hot and dry weather that registered averagely higher temperatures for a brief period. The unusual and abundant rain in the beginning of July was followed by a mild and dry summer season, decidedly favoring gradual maturation. September and early October have been crucial: an ideal climate and a remarkable diurnal temperature variation have distinguished this vintage, making it an “Exceptional” one. Harvest was carried out from 12 to 17 October, in line with a super classic vintage, yielding lesser grapes characterized by excellent quality.

Aristocratic, remarkable fine tannins and the finish is long, balanced full of flavour. Noble, complex, of the utmost elegance. Ethereal notes of small red fruits, rose petals and tea leaves.

92 Points - Wine Spectator
A rich, round red, with mint, menthol and licorice aromas and flavors framing a core of cherry and plum fruit. Shows ample tannins on the back end, but the ripe fruit returns in the end. Best from 2024 through 2038. 2,000 cases made, 700 cases imported.

Product size: 750ml