Red Wine Michele Chiarlo Barolo Tortoniano 2017. Michele Chiarlo is regarded as one of Piedmont’s leading winemakers with some 60 hectares of vineyards which include many of the finest Barolo and Barbaresco crus. Michele founded the estate in 1956 with a vision of making exceptional Piedmontese wines that could be exported all over the globe, and today his two sons Alberto and Stefano continue the family legacy. Wherever possible the family seek to work in harmony with nature, avoiding the use of pesticides and adhering to the principles of the VIVA Sustainable Wine scheme. This hard work seems to have paid off, with the family’s wines consistently earning scores in the high 90s. This particular Barolo was even previously selected as one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the Year. The fruit for this spectacular cuvee comes from the town of Barolo itself where the excellent terroir helps produce a traditional, well-structured wine with firm tannins and an elegant finish. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks followed by 24 months of ageing in oak barrels. The final step is a further 6 months or so of ageing in the bottle before it is ready for release. The first sip reveals a generous full body and well-developed structure which will help this wine age beautifully in the cellar. A great Barolo to enjoy alongside hearty dishes like roast pheasant, venison, lamb shanks, or a porcini risotto.
2017
Red Wine Michele Chiarlo Barolo Tortoniano 2017
Red Wine Michele Chiarlo La Court Barbera d’Asti Nizza Riserva 2017. The Chiarlo family have been making benchmark Piedmontese wines ever since 1956 when Michele Chiarlo first founded his namesake winery. Working in harmony with nature is one of the winery’s guiding principles, and in 2011 the property was certified under the VIVA Sustainable Wine scheme. In total they have around 60 hectares of vineyards which include some of the finest Barolo and Barbaresco crus. This fine Barbera d’Asti comes from Tenuta La Court, a single parcel of over 20 hectares set on two hills which was acquired by the Chiarlos in 1995. It was previously part of the Aluffi estate which was founded in the 1800s and is considered one of the most important vineyards for Barbera. La Court is known for its very low yields, excellent exposures, and sandy and calcareous soils which are rich in minerals. The fruit is always harvested by hand at Michele Chiarlo and then fermented in the traditional manner in 55 hectolitre oak vats. The young wine is usually aged partially in casks and in large barrels for a year, followed by another 18 months of ageing in the bottle. This helps soften the tannins and add enticing notes of cocoa, ground coffee, and subtle spice to the ripe black cherry and forest fruit flavours. The robust and complex profile makes this a great match for roast veal, wild rabbit, fresh pasta served with porcini, or mature hard cheeses.
2017
Red Wine Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2017. Mount Langi Ghiran is one of Australia’s most isolated wineries with a stunning setting in the Great Dividing Range in the Grampians region of Victoria. The winery enjoys a unique microclimate which makes its vineyards the last to ripen in Australia. The warm, sunny summer days are tempered by cool nights which helps to produce exceptionally elegant and graceful Shiraz wines with intense and concentrated dark fruit character. Their Cliff Edge Shiraz is made from selected vineyard plots planted with old vines on granite sand soils. To ensure the fruit arrives at the winery in great condition half of the harvest is picked by hand and the reminder by machine. Once in the winery the must is left to macerate and ferment on the skins for 2 weeks. Some of the grapes even undergo the traditional practice of foot treading to gently release tannins, colour and aromas from the skins. The young wine then spends 14 months ageing in French oak barrels. This approach to winemaking helps to enhance and express the full beauty of the cool climate Shiraz grapes, creating a powerful yet balanced wine that is bursting with black cherry, blackberry, plum and spiced notes. On the palate there’s a generous full body, refined tannins and a long finish with lingering hints of woodsmoke and leather. A great wine to cellar for a few more years or savour now with a rich game or beef dish.
2017