Le Orme 16 Months Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2019
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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 3 months then rests in stainless steel and in bottle before release for a total of 16 months aging.
Harvest Note
This vintage saw an interesting climatic trend. The winter and early spring were mild and dry, with only a couple of moderate snowfalls. On the other hand, April and May experienced heavy rain that delayed vegetative development and flowering, followed by a hot and dry month of June. July began with abundant rain that allowed for gradual maturation during the hot and dry summer season, which did not register extreme temperatures. Yield was particularly poor, and the ripening period was characteristic of a classic vintage: these were the ideal conditions that enabled a high-quality harvest. The Barbera grapes were collected from September 22nd to October 10th depending on the exposure of the vineyards, a time frame matching those of great classic vintages.
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: 3.49
ACIDITY: 6.35 g/L
ABV: 13.9%
AGING: Minimum of 16 months. Aged for 3 months in large oak casks before refinement in stainless steel and in bottle
Unique Selling Points
- A family winery, Michele Chiarlo's son Stefano Chiarlo is the winemaker
- A classic Barbera from choice terroir
- Aged for at least 16 months, longer than the 4 month DOCG minimum
“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.
