Faset Barbaresco DOCG 2023 - Michele Chiarlo

The Elegance of Nebbiolo in the Faset Amphitheater: The Philosophy of Michele Chiarlo

The Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco DOCG Faset 2023 stands as one of the most graceful, subtle, and aristocratic expressions from the right bank of the Tanaro River. This prestigious Faset Additional Geographical Mention boasts a centuries-old history within the Langhe winemaking territory, documented as early as the 19th century among the most noble estates of the Counts Cocito di Neive. The stylistic project of the Chiarlo family highlights a specific three-hectare plot located within the historic Cabanet estate. Conceived to emphasize the most supple, silky, and whispered profile of the Nebbiolo grape, this Barbaresco fascinates with a rare formal refinement, devoid of harsh edges and supported by an outstanding expressive purity.

Agronomic Notes: The Tanaro Microclimate and Cellar Extraction Protocol

The vineyards shape a spectacular plant amphitheater, characterized by a steep hillside bowl facing full south that directly overlooks the course of the Tanaro River. The soil matrix, rich in nutrients and fine marly-limestone sediments, forces the vine's root system into a balanced agronomic effort, ideal for transferring a regal and silky matrix of tannins to the black grape. The climate trend of the 2023 vintage favored optimal and gradual phenolic ripening. The manual harvest carefully selects the finest clusters. In the cellar, processing applies gentle extractions in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by a calibrated horizontal rest in large oak casks to encourage biological stability and tertiary evolution, safeguarding an alcohol content of 14.00% Vol.

Sensory Profile and Organoleptic Assessment

Artisanal vinification combined with the mitigating proximity of the Tanaro River grants the varietal an organoleptic framework of imposing olfactory definition for this sought-after red wine from Piemonte.

• Blend and Classification: 100% Nebbiolo / Barbaresco DOCG / Faset Cru (Cabanet Estate).
• Analytical Data (2023 Vintage): Alcohol Content: 14.50% Vol. / Maturation in large oak casks / Volume: 750 ml.
• Visual Assessment: Light ruby red color with luminous and vivid garnet highlights upon swirling in the glass, characterized by beautiful transparency and medium crystalline fluidity.
• Olfactory Framework: Broad, clean, and markedly fragrant bouquet. Consistent scents of dried rose, wild strawberry, and small red fruits stand out on the nose, beautifully integrated with intense balsamic tones, nuances of sweet spices, hints of licorice root, and a background of well-integrated noble wood.
• Palate Characteristics: The tasting reveals an aristocratic, straight profile endowed with extraordinary gastronomic smoothness. The progression displays a harmonious medium-full body, guided by a texture of tannins that are present yet extremely silky and elegant. The pour, fluid and supple, advances toward a long, savory finish with a discreet and impeccably clean aftertaste.

Service Guidelines and Gastronomic Pairings

The structural fluidity, fine tannins, and aromatic richness of this signature Barbaresco qualify it as an ideal companion for structured land-based cuisine and elite fine dining.

• Stable Pairings: It pairs magnificently alongside second courses based on prominent baked red meats, light braised dishes, roasts, and refined recipes featuring feathered game. It excels paired alongside structured first courses like first courses featuring vegetables and mutton, savory donkey stew, flavorful meat chops enriched by spicy nuances, and rich traditional recipes such as pork trotter cooked in savoy cabbage stew or Neapolitan casatiello.
• Serving Method: To promote the development of the rich bouquet and ensure proper tannin integration, opening the bottle and decanting it at least one hour in advance is recommended, using a wide tasting glass of Ballon type at a serving temperature of 16 - 18°C