Barolo,  Cellar Selection,  Italy,  Nebbiolo

Cellar Selection

          

Domenico Clerico Aeroplanservaj Barolo 2010

Domenico Clerico spends his days among the vineyards of Monforte’s Crus, as he has been doing for years. In 1976 this Piedmont producer took the reins of the family winery and dedicated himself exclusively to the production of great wines, and acquired some of the most highly-rated parcels of the Monforte Crus.

Aeroplanservaj (“wild aeroplane”), is the nickname his father gave him when he was little and in his fantasy world imagined himself flying high above the vines. Only produced in the best vintage years, it’s a Barolo that starts life in a vineyard with east/south-easterly sun exposure in Serralunga d’Alba. The soil composition, altitude and climate set a decidedly acidic stamp on the wine, but this is toned down in the cellar thanks to clever refining for around 30 months in French oak barrels (80% new and 20% second use).

Had this beauty at a recent wine tasting, striking ruby color with a rich intense bouquet of fruit, earthy spices, and hints of floral. The palate is powerful and chewy, with ripe cherry flavors, leather, espresso and cacao integrating into a rich and robust wine. The finish is savory with nice toasty oak notes and structured tight tannins. One of the better Barolo’s I have tasted, this is an excellent and enjoyable wine that you should not pass up, if you can get your hands on a 2010, but let it develop for another 10 years to unwind before you pop the cork!

Cheers!

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