Domenico Clerico

The grapes come from the cru sites Ginestra, Mosconi and San Pietro, with about 10 rows planted outside the appellation boundaries (for this reason the wine is a Langhe Dolcetto and not a Dolcetto d'Alba). Beautiful, detailed bouquet of rose gardens and lavender fields. The finish is lean, soft and silky with aromatic richness and abundant fruit. A wonderfully complex Dolcetto in the impeccable style of the house of Clerico. SUPERIORE.DE

In contrast to the past, this full and fragrant Barbera is now aged to a greater percentage in large oak barrels - and less in barriques. This benefits the softness, fruitiness and suppleness of this beautiful wine. Tre Vigne means that the grapes come in equal parts from the top vineyards Mosconi, Ginestra and San Pietro. Deep dark ruby red. The bouquet has a fine scent of sour cherries and violets, the full and soft taste has a pleasantly fresh acidity that refines the long drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, rich ruby-violet. Intense and very appealing nose, of blackberry, elderberry and cinnamon. Round and supple in the attack and course, lots of ripe fruit, well-integrated acidity, gives tension, very smooth." Falstaff

The grapes come exclusively from the single vineyard San Pietro, and since the 2018 vintage, part of the wine has been vinified in amphorae. Berries, liquorice and deep red fruits on the nose. Finely woven and very precise structure, personality and class on the palate. Sheer elegance and Clerico pleasure without waiting for further ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous and just mid ruby. Subtle, spicy cherry nose with black-pepper tingle. Succulent fruit palate with fine coating tannins. Savoury sweet fruit on the finish. Hugely appealing." Jancis Robinson

Strongly Nebbiolo-influenced variant of a Langhe Rosso and thus in the impression like a Barolo with the discreetly juicy and fruity component of the Barbera grape. On the nose some cherry and blueberry, then autumn leaves, walnuts and forest floor. Very soft and delicate on the palate, the polished tannins make it seem smoother and more accessible than the Nebbiolo dominance would suggest. A wine of great freshness and complexity, with good structure and made for a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

Clerico's Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba shows all the appeal of which this high altitude site is capable. Sweet macerated cherry, mint, spices, orange peel and raspberries linger on the persistent, slightly vibrant and agile finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Perfumed and concentrated with soft, complex oak and a peppery edge. Succulent, ripe and gentle with long powdery tannins. Elegant and lively and long with real bite." Jancis Robinson

"Tight and focused on the nose with clean red berries and oak. Expands a little on the medium-to full-bodied palate, but still rather closed, with an elegant framework of very fine, lightly firm tannin and a dense core of fruit. The balance of fruit and tannin already gives a long finish. Needs to unravel a bit, but the essential ingredients are very fine indeed. Try from 2024." James Suckling

The great Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from the historic Clerico vineyard. Open-hearted bouquet of ripe fruits and spices, the elegant tannins are accompanied by a pleasant freshness in taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. A shade darker in fruit and deeper than Pajana.  A fine, long-lasting layer of clayey tannins. Vivid acidity. Very complete and a little more muscular than the Pajana, but the whole is truly elegant." Jancis Robinson

" This is a sensational 2014 with such power and finesse. Aromas of dried flowers, dark berries and light earth follow through to a full body, with tight and super polished tannins and a long, long finish." James Suckling

Pajana - most modern wine of the entire Clerico range - presents itself closed, compressed and with great potential. Rich ruby with a light garnet rim. Compact nose, shows rich notes of blackberry, dark cherries, a little cinchona bark in the background. Explodes literally on the palate, lots of ripe, present fruit, then opens up with lots of fine-meshed tannin, salty depth, rich pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening garnet red. Intense and dense nose, shows notes of raspberry and plum, some dark bread crust, earthy-mineralic. Gripping, gripping tannin characterises the palate, very gripping, ripe berry fruit, a little harsh on the back end, liquorice on the final." Falstaff

"Effusive aromas of rose, strawberry, cherry and mint are enticing in this version, as are the cherry, iron, tobacco and eucalyptus flavors. Spry and lively, this is balanced and lingers with refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"Pajana lies at medium altitude in the Ginestra MGA on loamy soil with around 23% each of sand and clay, plus a lot of active chalk. Reductive and precise on the nose with notes of pomegranate and rosebud, light tea leaf also emerges after some time. The attack is relaxing, with supple red cherry fruit sustained by polished tannins and brilliant acidity. The rhubarb finish is not without an austere bite, and there's also some tar and liquorice on the aftertaste." Decanter

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Pajana shows harmony and a long, polished texture that builds pretty momentum on the palate and to the finish. The wine is seamless in a manner that Nebbiolo cannot achieve until it has had much more time to evolve and age in the bottle. However, this hot-vintage expression appears wiser than its years, showing a more accessible style that won't require years of cellaring. Only 5,500 bottles were produced." Robert Parker

"Fresh and ripe strawberries with cedar and dried flowers. Aromatic. Medium-bodied with tight, fine tannins and a long, linear finish. Fresh and fine. Drink in 2024 and onwards." James Suckling

The great Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from the historic Clerico vineyard. Open-hearted bouquet of ripe fruit and spices, the elegant tannins are accompanied by a pleasant freshness in the complex taste, deep and long on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"With spice reminiscent of caraway; powerful, fleshy and robustly built, with character-giving edges and grainy tannin. Mineral, fine and with length." Vinum

"Bright, luminous garnet red. Appealing, very precisely marked nose, full of ripe wild raspberries, plus some fresh plums and orange peel. Lots of fine-meshed tannin, spreads out richly, juicy raspberry fruit, still slightly gruff on the final." Falstaff

"A smooth, balanced red, deftly displaying macerated cherry, plum and currant flavors. Flashes of rose and licorice add depth, while a tobacco element emerges on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Sweet-berry, watermelon and candied-lemon aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, silky tannins and a fruity finish. Refined and polished. Fresh for the vintage." James Suckling

"Following a few tweaks to its denomination identity over the years, this wine has returned to its celebrated Ginestra MGA identity, showcasing fruit from old vines in Monforte d'Alba planted in 1978. The Domenico Clerico 2017 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin is a landmark wine that has forever dazzled and delighted, thanks to the purity and power of its fruit and its fine textural fiber. This 2017 vintage reveals a hint of vintage ripeness with candied cherry and orange peel, but the wine maintains its depth and complexity with plenty of tarry smoke and licorice." Robert Parker

"Bright ruby with a garnet rim in the glass, the nose is remarkably classic, with plenty of leafy lightness typical of Barolo. Restrained and filigreed, it hides rich red and dark cherry, rosebud and violet aromas, with liquorice root in depth. The dense and vibrant palate is full of sucrosity, with cherry and tar alongside a violet tinge. The tannins are as much extracted as lavish, noble and ripe, while acid carries the finish of cherry kernel. Astonishing, ageworthy wine. Don't touch it before 2022." Decanter

Pajana - the most modern wine of the entire Clerico range - presents itself closed, compressed and with great potential. Rich ruby with a slight garnet edge. Compact nose, reveals rich notes of blackberry, dark cherry, with some china bark in the background. Explodes formally on the palate, lots of ripe, present fruit, then opens up with lots of fine-meshed tannin, salty depth, rich pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Bright, red fruit with a certain roundness to it. Polished palate of red fruit and firm, but ripe tannins and a wonderful succulent finish with clinging tannins. Firm grip and endless fresh fruit." Jancis Robinson

"The aromas are shy but the flavors are expressive, featuring black cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice and tobacco notes. Showing burly tannins, this powerful red will take a little longer to come around." Wine Spectator

"The opulence and intensity is impressive on the nose from the beginning, showing plums, ripe strawberries, mushrooms and smoked meat. It’s full-bodied and chewy with a tight, focused palate of ripe fruit and chewy tannins. Compact and tight. Give this time, please. Try after 2023 at least." James Suckling

"The Domenico Clerico 2016 Barolo Pajana draws its fruit from a parcel within the Ginestra cru that was planted in two phases, first in 1971 and again in 1991. It lies 350 meters above sea level and sees looser sandy soils compared to the higher-altitude parts of the vineyard (that delineates Ciabot Mentin). These conditions lead to extra richness and a velvety texture. Pajana is guided by a deep sense of elegance and finesse. The aromas show a smooth succession of cassis, black currant, blood orange, spice, camphor ash and smoke. The wine's length is what stands out, as you taste those Nebbiolo characteristics for many long minutes." Robert Parker

Pajana - most modern wine of the entire Clerico range - presents itself closed, compressed and with great potential. Rich ruby with a light garnet rim. Compact nose, showing rich notes of blackberry, dark cherries, a little cinchona bark in the background. Explodes literally on the palate, lots of ripe, present fruit, then opens up with lots of fine-meshed tannin, salty depth, rich pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Still youthful with leafy cherry notes and oak hints. With aeration minerally and earthy notes showing through. Supple fresh cherry and raspberry fruit with touches of oak and lots of powdery tannins gaining in weight on the finish. Very long and tannic and with great lift of fresh fruit." Jancis Robinson

"Rich, raspberry-coulis nose, adding mineral and bark aromas with air. But it all remains very contained. Medium-bodied palate with very fine, firm tannins and a tight finish. Super-clean with a very tight core for now. Give it time to expand. Try from 2024." James Suckling

The great Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from the historic Clerico vineyard. Bright garnet red. Open-hearted bouquet of ripe fruit and spices, the elegant tannins are accompanied by a pleasant freshness in the complex taste, deep and long on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Great purity on the nose and with beautifully integrated oak and savoury-sweet cherry fruit. Compact fruit palate with lots of juice and grainy tannins built like a house. Fantastic length and focus and energy." Jancis Robinson

"Super concentrated and super-focused red-berry and oaky-vanilla character on the nose. Medium-bodied with very fine, firm tannin. The deep, pristine core of fruit pushes through. Give it time to even out." James Suckling

Forest fruits on the nose, plus ink, tobacco and gentian. The juicy, full flavour is supported by velvety tannins of only very slight astringency and undergoes a great development in the glass that is already thrilling. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Freshness and lift on the nose and with plenty of depth. Just a touch of oak. Lush and fresh palate with a polished, grainy layer of tannins. A wine to drink gallons of." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Barolo is bright, fresh and full of life. Medium in body and perfumed, the straight Barolo will give readers a good idea of the direction the estate is headed in. Light on its feet and nuanced, with good energy, the 2016 is quite attractive. But more than that, it points to a very bright future here." Vinous

"This red is fresh, elegant and underscored by a solid tannic structure. A bit compact midpalate, compressing the black cherry, blackberry, iron, tobacco and spice flavors. Sleek and long, with terrific balance." Wine Spectator

"The classic 2016 Barolo by Domenico Clerico is a generous and full wine that offers a panoramic view of the Nebbiolo grape all in bright Technicolor and with the appropriate intensity. The wine's all-encompassing approach brings many details into focus, including wild cherry, spice, leather and ferrous soil. Fruit is exclusively from Monforte d'Alba, with some from the lower parts of Pajana and Per Cristina and some from the younger vines planted in Ciabot Mentin. This is an elegant expression with the mild oak signature that is an important part of the Clerico playlist. Camphor ash and burnt embers lift lightly as the wine opens in the glass." Robert Parker

"Plums, cured meat and white truffles. Pretty aromas. Full-bodied with chewy, ripe tannins and a long, flavorful finish. It’s very structured with lots of ripe tannins and ripe fruit that envelop the phenolics. Solid and real. Give it time to soften and come together. Try after 2023." James Suckling

A beautiful, very sensual, feminine wine, vinified only in the best vintages. Exquisitely scented with dark fruits, elegant and fine on the palate with lots of fruit and long. It was named after the nickname once given to the young wild Clerico by his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild plane. And the décor of the six bottles is just as wild and creative, but see for yourself! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2007 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj is plush, rich and voluminous, all qualities that are typical of the year. Dark red cherries, mocha, flowers and spices are woven together beautifully in this soft (for Barolo), sensual wine. Silky tannins frame the rich, seamless finish. The 2007 probably won’t be a long-term ager, but my guess is most bottles will have long been enjoyed before that is an issue." Robert Parker

"Dark, garnet red colour. Rather discreet character with restrained fruit; however, well structured on the palate with excellent length." Markus del Monego

"Blackberries and flowers on the nose follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a mouth-puckering finish. Needs a number of years to soften. This is a new wine from the super winemaker Dominico Clerico." James Suckling

A beautiful, very sensual, feminine wine, vinified only in the best vintages. Exquisitely scented with dark fruits, elegant and fine on the palate with lots of fruit and long. It was named after the nickname once given to the young wild Clerico by his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild plane. And the décor of the six bottles is just as wild and creative, but see for yourself! SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, medium dense garnet red. Complex nose with notes of rose petals, some truffle and liquorice, then lots of plum. Substantial and dense in attack and course, shows good play between dense, present tannin and fine fruit melting, unfolds very long." Falstaff

"The aromas of flowers, such as roses and lilacs, as well as strawberries and cherries are compelling. Full-bodied, yet very polished and refined, with chewy yet polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Tight at the end. Give it three or four years to soften." James Suckling

"This celebrated wine is released in one tranche of 100 magnums and another of 5,500 bottles with several different label designs, one featuring a hot air balloon and another with a more psychedelic label. The 2017 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj offers rich concentration and a robust center of gravity that is indicative of Serralunga d'Alba, the village where this fruit is cultivated. This is always one of my favorite wines in the Clerico portfolio. This vintage reveals extra power and elegance that pull in both directions, but it is what ultimately gives this wine harmony. This bottle will definitely require patience and more cellaring." Robert Parker

A beautiful, very sensual, feminine wine, vinified only in the best vintages. Exquisitely scented with dark fruits, elegant and fine on the palate with lots of fruit and long. It was named after the nickname once given to the young wild Clerico by his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild plane. And the décor of the six bottles is just as wild and creative, but see for yourself! SUPERIORE.DE

"At first quite a bit of sweet oak on the nose. Supple, generous and succulent palate with plenty of chewy tannins adding tactile fireworks to the finish. Modernist, no doubt, but done with huge skill." Jancis Robinson

"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. Best from 2024." James Suckling