Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba 2018 (Domenico Clerico)

Cellar for 25 years or more. Decant for 3 hours or more before serving. This Barolo exudes elegance and style, with sumptuous notes of black fruit, bitumen, rose petals, and deep minerality. The grapes were sourced solely from Monforte d’Alba, including prime plots in Pajana and Per Cristina, and younger vines from the region of Ciabot Mentin.

It is a perfect example of Dominica Clerico’s refined, elegant style. Domenico Clerico founded his own winery in 1979, heralding a burst of popularity for the lesser known appellation of Monforte d’Alba and Barolo as a whole, which eventually pushed the region onto the world stage.

Nowadays, the winery is run by Oscar Arrivabene, who creates a refined range of northern Italian wines - widely regarded as some of the best red wines in the world. On the palate, this Barolo is almost austere and will require some time breathing to show its full potential.

When it does, it exhibits a rich, layered mouthful of balsamic, dark plum, blackberry, mint, and purple flowers. Its tannins are delicate and perfectly balanced, which along with the wine’s taut acidity, allows for extended ageing.

Consider pairing it with dense red meats, cheesy risotto, or a smokey sausage.