What kind of wine is Babaresco DOCG 'Asili' 2021 - Michele Chiarlo?

The Babaresco DOCG 'Asili' 2021 - Michele Chiarlo is a Piedmontese red wine of extraordinary elegance, produced entirely from Nebbiolo grapes. Coming from one of the most renowned crus in the Barbaresco area, that of Asili, it represents the very essence of the appellation: finesse, balance, and the ability to evolve over time. It is a wine that reflects the character of the terroir with rare precision, offering a complex yet accessible profile even to those approaching the great reds of Piedmont for the first time.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage stands out for its perfect climatic balance: a warm but well-ventilated summer and a dry harvest favored complete grape ripening. The result is a Nebbiolo with a thick skin, rich in aromas and mature tannins, which allowed for a Barbaresco of great harmony. The vintage is considered among the best of the last decade, capable of combining structure and finesse with a distinct aromatic freshness.

Vinification and aging

The vinification of Babaresco DOCG 'Asili' 2021 - Michele Chiarlo follows the traditional Piedmontese method, with fermentation in oak vats for about 15 days at a controlled temperature of 27-30°C. This phase allows the wine to best extract color, aromas, and tannins – the compounds that determine the structure and longevity of Nebbiolo. After fermentation, the wine rests for 18 months in oak barrels, where it refines elegance and complexity, and then continues aging in bottle for at least one year before being released to the market.

Tasting Notes

The Barbaresco 'Asili' 2021 impresses with its balanced and refined personality, expressing from the very first approach all the quality of its cru and the experience of the Michele Chiarlo winery.

Color

It presents a brilliant garnet red color, typical of Nebbiolo, with orange reflections that will become more evident with aging. The color conveys elegance and anticipates the complexity of the bouquet.

Nose

On the nose, it reveals itself to be rich and fine, with aromas of ripe cherry, wild rose, and sweet spices. Well-integrated woody notes and a hint of tobacco emerge, a sign of the balance achieved between fruit and aging. It is an intense, but never excessive, bouquet that invites tasting.

Palate

On the palate, it is harmonious, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced. The tannins are present but perfectly smooth, offering a solid and pleasant structure. The finish is long and refined, with a return to the fruity and spicy sensations perceived on the nose. It is a wine capable of exciting, combining power and delicacy with extreme naturalness.

Food Pairings for Babaresco DOCG 'Asili' 2021 - Michele Chiarlo

This wine finds its best expression when paired with traditional and flavorful Piedmontese dishes, but it also pairs well with meat preparations and aged cheeses. Some examples:

• Braised and roasted beef
• Tagliolini with game ragout
• Risotto with porcini mushrooms
• Aged cheeses such as Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano

Thanks to its elegance and complexity, it can also successfully accompany an important dinner or a tasting moment among enthusiasts.

Storage and Aging: How to store Babaresco DOCG 'Asili' 2021 - Michele Chiarlo wine

To best store Babaresco DOCG 'Asili' 2021 - Michele Chiarlo, it is essential to keep the bottle horizontally, in a cool environment free from temperature fluctuations, with a constant temperature around 12-14°C and controlled humidity. Avoiding direct light and vibrations will help preserve its color and aromas.

This Barbaresco is already ready to be enjoyed, but its structure and balance allow for a long aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for over 10 years, developing further aromatic nuances and greater softness on the palate. A safe investment for those looking for a wine to enjoy today or to collect for the future.