2018 Domenico Clerico “Aeroplanservaj” Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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ABOUT THIS WINE
Tight nose with a fine bead of ripe berries that are enveloped in a mildly spicy, vanilla coating. Some smoky, charcoal-like nuances add interest. Medium-bodied with a very silky palate and fine, powdery tannins that are starting to sink in. Compact and displaying quality, but there’s a slightly hollow feel to the mid-palate this year.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Located at the heart of Barolo in Monforte d’Alba, the Domenico Clerico estate has been making iconic wines since 1976, when the eponymous young winemaker took the reins. Beginning with just a small 4-hectare farm inherited from his father, Domenico sought out the best undiscovered plots in Barolo, thus pioneering the idea of single cru wines. In 1977 he purchased a plot in Bussia, followed by plots in Ginestra and Pajana as well as Mosconi in 1955 from which he produces the ‘Percristina’, named for his late daughter. Today the winery boasts 21 hectares of prime vineyard sites, including a newer plot in Serralunga d’alba purchased in 2005, from which Domenico created the ‘Aeroplanservaj’ Barolo.
In addition to his devotion to single cru vineyards, Clerico championed what is considered a modern style of Barolo, using new burgundy barrels and later barriques to age the wines. He always had an eye toward the future, often experimenting with new technology and longer macerations. Despite his reputation as a modernist, the primary goal was always to maintain purity of fruit and expression of the land, which the Domenico Clerico wines achieve beautifully. Domenico passed away in 2017, leaving the estate to his wife and niece to manage. Along with winemaker Oscar Arrivabene, the family continues to shape Domenico’s legacy by producing timeless wines that embody the land and spirit of Barolo.