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Producer: Michele ChiarloGrape Varieties: 100% CorteseOptimum Drinking: Within 10 yearsWine Style: Dry balanced fragrant and slightly spicyAlcohol by Volume: 12.5%Closure: Natural CorkCountry: Italian
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Producer Note
Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont's truly great winemakers. The family owns 60 hectares of vineyard in three of the classic growing areas - Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi and have access to a further 50 hectares through long-term relationships with their growers. Michele has insisted on total quality since his first vintage in 1956, an ethos which his sons Stefano and Alberto adopt today. The Chiarlo style is highly elegant, they make complex wines that can age for decades but above all reflect their provenance - some of the finest vineyard sites in Piedmont.
Vintage
Spring saw abundant rainfall, which restored the depleted aquifers from the dry 2017 vintage. Excessive rain in May and June required vigilance in the vineyard; however the vines avoided disease. High temperatures in August were followed by cooler nights in the latter part of August and September, encouraging aromatic development. The Barbera and Nebbiolo grapes reached excellent physiological and phenolic maturation; while the whites are recognised for their great freshness, elegance and intense aromatic profile. 2018 was an excellent vintage for Michele Chiarlo.
Vineyard
Rovereto is a small, but privileged sub-zone of Gavi recognised as one of the best microclimates for the production of the Cortese grape. The vines are grown in mostly calcareous clay-marl soils of volcanic origin, which are rich in iron and magnesium. The vines undergo a strict pruning programme and a green harvest to keep yields low.
Winemaking
The grapes underwent cold maceration before being pressed in order to retain the integrity of the aromas. Fermentation took place in small temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts from the same vineyard. The wine rested on its fine lees in tank for four months, adding texture and complexity to the resulting wine, followed by a further four months' maturation in steel vats preserving the purity of fruit.
Tasting Note
From one of the best sub-zones in Gavi, the aromas are intense and elegant with hints of white flowers, golden apples and mineral notes. On the palate it is well structured, balanced and fragrant with savoury notes and incredible length on the finish.
Serving Suggestion
A great match for sushi, seafood dishes and Asian cuisine.
Grape
Cortese 100%
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