Ratings 2022: Here Are the Award-Winning Wines From Michele Chiarlo
Like every December, Michele Chiarlo compiles the best scores from the international press.
2022 has been particularly rewarding. The winery’s most important crus – Cerequio, Cannubi, Asili, Faset, La Court – have all scored above 94. But we should also mention Nizza Cipressi, Barolo Tortoniano, Barbera d’Asti Le Orme, Moscato d’Asti Nivole and Nizza Montemareto. The latter’s first vintage – 2020 – was released this year and has immediately earned a place of honor among widely-appreciated labels.
We created a short press review below, containing the best scores and the most remarkable reviews that our wines have received, to provide a balanced combination between the “cold and impartial” numerical score and the “warm account” of the people who have tasted the wines.
Barolo Docg Cerequio 2018
Barolo Cerequio has evolved a lot in recent years, becoming the undisputed symbol of Michele Chiarlo: a wine that conveys our commitment to excellence, which can be appreciated right from the very first sip. It is no coincidence that Cerequio was chosen as the first Barolo and Piedmontese wine to be distributed at La Place de Bordeaux, the most important fine wine marketplace in the world. And it is no coincidence that wine critics sing its praises. A Barolo that is «extremely expressive on the nose, rich in beautiful aromatics», writes Georgie Hindle on Decanter, awarding it with 96 points: «A mix of linearity and aerial delicacy while being so rich and fruity. Delicious». Says Monica Larner (Wine Advocate), who emphasizes its clear expressiveness (95 points): «The Cerequio 2018 has ample power, with etched tannins that firmly grip to the palate». For Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator – 94 points), Cerequio «reveals enticing cherry and berry flavors, along with floral and underbrush notes, all underlined by a mineral and firm, well-integrated tannins.”
Barolo Docg Cannubi 2018
The 2018 vintage is another exemplary expression of Barolo Cannubi. «It’s my favorite among the Barolos by Michele Chiarlo», Monica Larner writes on Wine Advocate (95+ points). Kerin O’Keefe (Wine Enthusiast – 96 points) also highlights the «great depth of flavors» and «earthy elegance», a wine that is «balanced, with tightly knit, velvety tannins and fresh acidity».
Barbaresco Docg Asili 2019
«A fragrant bouquet with bright and punchy aromas of wild cherry, raspberry, blue flower and crushed stone». Barbaresco Asili 2019 gets an excellent score from Monica Larner (94+ points) who reviews Michele Chiarlo’s prestigious cru on Wine Advocate: «The 2019 vintage shows a level of energy and vitality that helps it stand out in a crowd, and the wine is elegant and silky in structure. This is an especially attractive expression from the celebrated Asili vineyard of Barbaresco».
Barbaresco Docg Faset 2019
Antonio Galloni (Vinous – 93 points) captures the soul of Faset, a Barbaresco that is «all grace». The Italian-American wine critic has reviewed the wine on Vinous: «Sweet dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, mocha, dried herbs and licorice all meld together: this soft Barbaresco offers tons of immediacy. Sweet floral and spice notes linger on the inviting finish».
Nizza Docg Riserva La Court 2019
Nizza Riserva La Court 2019, from 45-year-old vines, «has aged beautifully» according to Antonio Galloni (Vinous – 92 points): «the wine saturates the palate with inky dark fruit, leather, smoke, licorice, tobacco, mocha and chocolate». La Court’s aromatic profile has captivated both Falstaff («velvety, structured, full and rich on the palate, with a juicy finish» – 94 points) and Vinum: «An astonishing selection from the estate: a Barbera with a truly classic nose: notes of berries, cherries, spices and aromatic herbs, and a well-blended hint of wood. Soft mouthfeel. The right level of acidity ensures an elegant finish with notes of ripe fruit and spices (18 points)».
Barbaresco Docg Reyna 2019 e Barolo Docg Tortoniano 2018
Antonio Galloni (Vinous – 91 points) highly appreciated Reyna 2019: «Bright, fruity and forward, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Sweet floral accents, spice and a kick of orange peel lend freshness. There’s a lovely depth and density here».
While Barolo Tortoniano has captivated Kerin O’Keefe, who acknowledged its potential for evolution with 94 points on Wine Enthusiast: «Inviting aromas recalling truffle, wild mint, woodland berry and spice escape the glass along with whiffs of rose. The aromas carry over to the savory, elegant palate while taut, fine-grained tannins provide structure. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. It’s already approachable but also shows great mid-term aging potential». The wine’s excellent character has also charmed Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator – 92points), who wrote «A spicy style, with a core of cherry and berry fruit augmented by eucalyptus, tobacco, iron and toasty oak notes. This has intensity, yet ends on the elegant side, courtesy of vibrant acidity.»
Nizza Docg Cipressi 2019 e Nizza Docg Montemareto 2020
Chiarlo’s Nizza wines have earned great reviews. Falstaff awarded Cipressi 2019 with 93 points, describing it as a wine with an: «Elegant mouthfeel, with fine and polished tannins, as well as a persistent finish». Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator – 92points) defined it as «dense and tightly wound, compact on the finish». Montemareto’s debut (2020 is the wine’s first vintage) couldn’t have occurred in a better moment. For James Suckling (91 points), the wine is «vibrant, juicy and polished, to be drunk now». Antonio Galloni (Vinous – 92 points) likes its «naturally wild» nature, making it «a deep and structured label, with a lot going on».
Moscato d’Asti Nivole 2020 e 2021
Last but not least, we should also commend Nivole, the iconic Moscato d’Asti. 2022 marks the market launch of P Nivole, the label’s premium version, but the basic label has also garnered remarkable recognition. Kerin O’Keefe on the 2020 vintage: «Inviting aromas of ripe stone fruit, honeysuckle and jasmine waft out of the glass. The bright, lightly foaming palate offers creamy white peach, apricot and a hint of orange zest alongside fresh acidity (92 points)». On Decanter, Julie Sheppard wrote about the 2021 vintage and gave us some tips: «This Moscato is a delight. Enjoy it alfresco with a bowl of strawberries: the 37.5cl screwcap bottle is perfect to pop in your picnic hamper. Peach, ripe pear and apple are wrapped in a gentle, creamy mousse and balanced by fresh acidity (91 points)».