Page 13 - Primavera Selections 2018

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LOCALITY: Monforte d’Alba, Barolo WINEMAKER: Oscar Arrivabene
www.domenicoclerico.com
DOMENICO CLERICO
My first memories of Domenico Clerico in my trips to Barolo were from some years back, driving south from the Commune of Barolo, and approaching the tee intersection to turn off towards Monforte - on the right is their standout, magnificently impressive and architecturally designed estate. I suppose in some ways, before I first met Domenico Clerico and visited his winery, I already had developed thoughts on his wines, and seeing this structure helped confirm this – rich, powerful and modern wines with a level of polish and sophistication. What did surprise me though was how small Domenico’s production was compared to the impression given from this imposing estate.
Taking over from his father in the late 70’s, in his early years, Domenico Clerico had the foresight to begin acquiring more real estate in Monforte which (perhaps by luck) included parcels of land in some of the most sort after crus. These included famous vineyards including Bussia, Ginestra, Pajana and Mosconi.
Although regarded as one of the leaders of the modernist movement, in recent times, there has been a clear step away from this very ‘new world’ approach with a significant reduction in the amount of new wood used, along with the addition of some larger format oak (and even the odd concrete egg fermenter!) now being found at the winery. Other changes such as slower fermentation and maceration times are helping show each Crus individuality. Over the past 4 to 5 years, chief Oenologist Oscar Arrivabene has been working as Domenico Clerico’s right-hand man, and with the passing of Domenico Clerico in July, Oscar has fully taken over the reins.
PRODUCT
2016 Dolcetto ‘Visadi’
2015 Barbera ‘Trevigna’
2016 Nebbiolo ‘Capisme-e’
2013 Barolo
2012 Barolo ‘Pajana’
2012 Barolo ‘Ciabot Mentin’
2012 Barolo ‘Ciabot Mentin’ 1500ml 2010 Barolo ‘Ciabot Mentin’
2008 Barolo ‘Percristina’ Riserva
CTN WSL
12 220 12 320 12 370 12 620 12 1,000 12 1,000
3 487.5 12 1,150 6 800
L.U.C
23.65 34.40 39.78 66.65 107.50 107.50 209.63 123.63 172.00