Michele Chiarlo "Le Orme" Barbera d'Asti 2023

Wine Spectator : 90 Points

(2/28/2026) Michele Chiarlo launched his winemaking career in 1956, bottling his first Barolo in 1958. But his heart was in the Monferrato hills, home to the Barbera grape. In 1995, he purchased Tenuta La Court, 50 acres of prime vineyards in the heart of the Asti denomination. Chiarlo’s sons, Stefano and Alberto, joined him, and together the trio embarked on a goal to create a 'super Barbera' category called Nizza, which received DOCG status with the 2014 harvest. In addition to a range of Barolos and Barbarescos, the winery makes four Barberas, including the Asti Le Orme, the entry-level blend and the best value. The grapes come from four different vineyards with parcels of varying vine age that are selected for freshness. Yields are a bit higher than the winery’s Nizza reds, and the wines age for three to four months in large oak casks before bottling. The result is a rich yet crunchy style, with plum, blackberry, chocolate and earth flavors.