Domenico Clerico

Fragrantly fresh and supple, aromatic richness and abundant fruit. A wonderfully complex and very finely woven Dolcetto in the impeccable style of the House of Clerico. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Langhe Dolcetto Visadì is a dark and sultry expression, with blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant and dried plum. The wine is soft and plush with a vibrant and lively quality of fruit that hits all the right marks. This vintage presents a well-integrated side of the grape, in which its dark fruit aromas and the food-friendly freshness of the wine work together in balanced unity. Cold cuts, focaccia and olive bread would pair with this cheerful red." Robert Parker

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

"Bright, intense ruby. Very clear and accessible nose, juicy, fresh cherry, pomegranate, behind it ground coriander seed and bay leaf. Juicy and round in attack and course, showing lots of crunchy fruit, lots of cherry, supple, well-integrated tannin, velvety, fresh push of acidity on the final." Falstaff

"A lush, polished version, this red is bursting with black cherry, plum and violet aromas and flavors. It's heady, showing a touch of heat on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The Domenico Clerico 2018 Barbera d'Alba Trevigne sees its fruit sourced from three sites: the San Pietro vineyard, the northeast side of Ginestra and the southern part of Ginestra. These are nicely woven together with fruity softness, structure and freshness delivered in equal measure. The wine is redolent of dark cherry, dried blackberry and plum. That characteristic Barbera acidity is well played in this cool vintage with good focus: bright enough to cut through some lasagna. It never feels too sharp despite the cooler vintage." Robert Parker

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

"The Domenico Clerico 2019 Langhe Nebbiolo Capismee is named after the local slang for "do you understand me." That's a fun twist because ultimately the wine is articulate and clear in its message, thanks to its variety-pure aromas of dark fruit, crushed rose, tar, smoke and licorice. Of course, this release offers all that typicity with a flair for the informal and the accessible. That's all we need to understand." Robert Parker

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

"This estate's Arte is one of the most international and contemporary-minded wines you will find in the Langhe, and it stands out as especially loud and cheerful in this very traditional wine region. The Domenico Clerico 2018 Langhe Arte is a blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera that ages in new and used barrique. The wine philosophy here prizes softness, richness and concentration. The end results are shaped by ripe and opulent fruit, and they are also amply underlined by oak spice and toast. It's the kind of Piedmont red that's more than ready for a nice grilled steak." Robert Parker

Forest fruits in the bouquet, in addition ink, tobacco and gentian. The juicy, full taste is supported by velvety tannins of only very little astringency and goes through a great development in the glass, which is already inspiring. 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

The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba from Domenico Clerico is beautiful. Of subtle extract sweetness, perfumed and beautifully built, the 2017 shows all the appeal of which this high altitude site is capable. Sweet macerated cherry, mint, spice, orange peel and raspberry linger on the lingering, slightly vibrant and agile finish. The 2017 will particularly appeal to those who prefer fragrant and medium-bodied Barolos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, lightening garnet red. Appealing nose with notes of pomegranate, strawberry, plus sealing wax, saffron and some bay leaf. Fine-meshed, grippy tannin, characterises the course, fine raspberry fruit, fine sweet melting on the final, profound." Falstaff

"Despite an austere tannic finish - rather common in the 2017 vintage - this is a very good example of a classic Barolo. It's a blend of vineyards in Monforte d'Alba, which suggests it will have more structure and less fruit than, for example, Barolo or La Morra, and this bears out when tasting it. Extremely pale ruby in colour - not garnet yet - it shows an intense nose of dried cherry and violet, with whiffs of tar and liquorice. On the palate it has an aristocratic character, with some fresh fruit flavours including a touch of blood orange, but it's firm and quite austere, underlined by crisp acidity and not totally balanced by the fruit." Decanter

"Here's an interesting change. The classic Barolo from Domenico Clerico is now labeled with its village name. The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba pours from the bottle with a bright garnet color and a medium-rich appearance. Fruit is sourced from the lower part of Pajana, the youngest vines in Ciabot Mentin and the lower part of Percristina. The wine reveals a classic profile of the Nebbiolo grape, revealing dark cherry, cassis, smoke, tar and licorice. It shows a lean and almost delicate fiber with polished and silky tannins." Robert Parker

"A firm, structured 2017 with pretty balance and finesse for the vintage. Medium-to full-bodied with tight, integrated tannins and a fresh and bright finish. Attractive strawberry and cherry character." James Suckling

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

"Lustrous and concentrated ruby. A hint of sweet oak, but very closed on the nose. With aeration the purity of the fruit emerges. Very polished and elegant with fine grainy tannins and great acidity. Very long and elegant." Jancis Robinson

"The 2014 Barolo Pajana is a very pretty that balance the natural richness of this site with the more floral, savory notes that are typical of this cool, late-ripening vintage. Sweet red cherry fruit, rose petal, mint, sage and anise add attractive aromatic top notes. Time in the glass brings out redder tonalities of fruit, with shades of pomegranate, blood orange that lead into the super-expressive finish. This is very nicely done." Antonio Galloni

"Extremely floral and bright. Dried lavender and strawberries follow through to a full body with round and juicy tannins. Solid finish. This is structured and powerful." James Suckling

"The Pajana vineyard is known for its loose, sandy soils and red-colored earth, and the 2014 growing season brought cool and wet conditions. This cru is a nice, loyal expression of those Nebbiolo grapes. The 2014 Barolo Pajana is dark and thickly structured, and probably more accessible overall. This wine can be enjoyed in the medium-term, after five years (more or less) of cellar time." Robert Parker

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 - 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

"A tough customer, with big, burly tannins dominating any fruit at this stage. Nonetheless, this is not overly astringent, and may just need more time. Fresh and long on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Domenico Clerico 2015 Barolo Pajana opens to a beautifully saturated color with dark garnet and ruby highlights. Compared to the 2016 vintage that I tasted at the same time, this wine is more robust, structured and deeper. In some cases, I prefer 2016 to 2015, but this is one case in which the warmer vintage ushers forth a special and very attractive level of intensity. The bouquet is layered, multifaceted and fluid. Despite the many adjectives you could use to describe the bouquet, one thing does not change and that is the sheer intensity of this impressive Barolo Pajana." 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, 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

"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

"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

"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

Percristina is only produced in the best years and is only released 10 years after the harvest. Sparkling, rich ruby garnet. Fine bouquet of flowers, raspberries, roses, grilled rosemary and hints of liquorice. On the palate it is compact and polished, builds up in many layers, then presents a dense, finely meshed tannin and spans a terrificarc between fruit, spice and simultaneous juiciness. The final is rich, profound and of endless length. A masterpiece with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2011 Barolo Percristina is an attractive wine that has aged quite well over the last decade, which is a major step forward. Succulent dark cherry, plum, new leather, licorice, menthol, espresso, spice and blood orange flesh out in a supple, juicy Barolo from Clerico. In 2011, Percristina is quite a bit more laid back and less concentrated than in previous years. It is also impeccably balanced and a pure joy to taste today. Drink it over the next handful of years." Vinous

"A very special, late release of just 2,300 bottles, the Domenico Clerico 2011 Barolo Percristina is stunning. If you can get your hands on a bottle, you will be rewarded with impressive finesse and the kind of tiny detailing that can only come to Nebbiolo after a decade of oak and bottle aging. Old vines in the Mosconi cru supply the fruit for this wine, with notes of dried cherry, crushed flowers, spice, tar and licorice. This was a hot and not always easy vintage, but the Clerico crew has pulled out the very best of that vintage with robust, concentrated fruit and all its inner elegance intact." Robert Parker

"Intense aromas of licorice, plums and dried fruit follow through to a full body with rich, round tannins that are very chewy, yet polished, and give this wine strength and form. Very long and rich. Tar at the end. Beautiful now but could use a couple of years of bottle age still." 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 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

"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 fruit, elegant and fine on the palate with lots of fruit and long. It was named after the nickname that the young wild Clerico once got from his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild plane. And just as wild and creative is the decoration of the bottles, but see for yourself! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj is powerful and incisive, with plenty of Serralunga tannin that gives the wine tension. Red cherry and red plum fruit pulse with real energy all the way through to the finish, with a whole range of savory and iron/mineral accents that add complexity. Deceptive in its mid-weight, structure, the 2016 has a lot to offer." Vinous

"A soft, silky red with fine, round tannins. Medium-bodied with berries, orange peel, cedar and milk-chocolate powder. Some tile, too. It’s persistent and focused. Lovely refinement. Better after 2023." James Suckling

"Aeroplan Servaj or "little airplane" is the affectionate nickname that Domenico's father gave to his young "free spirited" son. The Domenico Clerico 2016 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj is tightly wound and nervous at this young stage. The wine needs some coaxing before it relaxes to release wild cherry, candied orange peel, tilled earth and rusty nail. There is some distant sweetness in the primary fruit, but the wine is mostly defined by its very sophisticated, rich, sultry and savory sides. Between these two vintages (2015 and 2016), this wine is poised to ultimately deliver better results once it gets further down its evolutionary track. It delivers impeccable balance and linearity." Robert Parker