Le Orme 16 Months Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2017
Trade Tools
Italy / Piedmont
Michele Chiarlo sources grapes from strictly selected Barbera vineyards with excellent exposure to produce a superb, balanced wine. The choice vineyards are in the southern area of Asti province, especially the hills around Nizza Monferrato. Temperature controlled maceration and fermentation on the skins for 10 days in stainless steel tanks yields the dark, rich color that is typical of great Barberas. The wine is aged in large French oak casks for 16 months total aging, 3 months in oak, rest in stainless steel and bottle before release.
Harvest Note
The 2017 vintage was characterized by a long dry summer with very little rainfall. Therefore, in the vineyards, agronomic practices that allow us to preserve the freshness of the soil and the grapes were adopted. Exceptional work was done to oxygenate the roots and avoid the loss of leaves which were necessary to provide shade and protect the berries from direct sunlight. The period of thinning was also delayed in order to minimize any chance of damage to the grape clusters. In order to maintain elegance, freshness and to avoid an excessive alcohol gradation, the harvest took place approximately ten days early compared to the normal harvest period. Le Orme 2017 is an excellent vintage. Barbera, more than other vines, thrives in these climatic conditions as long as the precautions mentioned above are taken in the management of the vineyards.
Tasting Note
Ruby red in color with hues of violet. Elegant and intense, with notes of fresh mature red fruit, such as cherry and currant. Harmonious, with great structure and roundness. Beautiful savory finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Barbera
APPELLATION: Barbera d’Asti DOCG
PH: 3.5
ACIDITY: 5.80 g/L
ABV: 13.52%
AGING: Minimum of 16 months. Aged for 3 months in large oak casks before refinement in stainless steel and bottle.
Unique Selling Points
- A classic Barbera from choice terroir
- 16 months total aging, 3 months in oak, rest in stainless steel and bottle
- A selection from several vineyards, also coming from portions of La Court estate
- Manual harvest
“We believe in the perfection of the grapes in the vineyard: terroir, experience, timeliness, studied interventions vine by vine.”
Stefano Chiarlo, Winemaker
About the Grape
Barbera
With relatively high acidity with low tannins, Barbera’s tart red berry aromas and flavors have spicy, herbal notes. Styles range from light quaffers to dense, concentrated wines for aging.
