What kind of wine is Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico?
The Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico is one of the most intense and fascinating expressions of Nebbiolo, the king grape of the Langhe. Hailing from the Mosconi cru in Monforte d’Alba, this red wine is made from vines planted in 1955 on clayey, mineral-rich soils, capable of imparting depth and complexity to the glass. It is a Barolo of elegant body and significant structure, perfectly embodying the rigorous and passionate style of Domenico Clerico, a symbolic producer of the appellation.
Vintage Details
The 2015 vintage was characterized by a hot and dry summer, followed by a milder September which allowed the Nebbiolo to ripen slowly, accumulating aromas and silky tannins. The result is a balanced wine, with a mature fruity vein always supported by freshness and precision. A harvest that yielded wines of character, harmonious, and with great evolutionary potential.
Winemaking and Aging
The production of this Barolo is meticulously overseen. After fermentation and a long maceration – meaning the prolonged contact between must and skins, which allows the wine to acquire color and structure – Percristina ages for three years in barriques, small oak barrels, during which it is constantly monitored and tasted. Only the best batches are then transferred to large barrels for a further two years of aging. The long stay in the cellar then continues with at least five years of rest in the bottle before release. A process that reflects Clerico’s “artisanal” and patient approach.
Tasting Notes
A Barolo of great personality, which captivates with its sensory depth and its perfect balance between power and finesse.
Color
Visually, it presents an intense garnet color, with slightly orange reflections typical of Nebbiolo's evolution. Clear and consistent, it heralds a wine of structure and complexity.
Nose
The bouquet is broad and layered: it opens with notes of ripe cherry, plum, and small red fruits, followed by hints of sweet spices, tobacco, licorice, and a slight balsamic touch. Aging in wood has imparted elegant nuances of vanilla and cocoa, without ever masking the authentic character of the grape variety.
Palate
On the palate, the Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico is full, deep, and perfectly balanced. The tannins, dense yet soft, integrate with a lively freshness that sustains its long persistence. The structure is harmonious, with a savory and enveloping finish that leaves a note of elegance and complexity.
Food Pairings for Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico
This important Barolo expresses itself best alongside rich and flavorful dishes, where it can showcase all its structure and aromatic depth. Perfect for special occasions, it elegantly accompanies:
- braised and stewed beef or game
- roasted lamb or herb-crusted lamb
- tajarin with meat ragù
- risottos with porcini mushrooms or white truffle from Alba
- aged hard cheeses such as Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano
A wine that also takes center stage on its own, as a meditation companion on quieter evenings.
Storage and Aging
To ensure the best evolution over time, it is important to know how to store Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico wine. The bottle should be kept horizontally, in a cool, dark environment with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C. The ideal humidity is around 70%, to prevent the cork from drying out.
Thanks to its structure and meticulous winemaking, this Barolo is perfectly capable of evolving for over twenty years, developing tertiary notes of leather, spices, and undergrowth over time that make it even more fascinating. A collectible wine to be awaited, capable of offering ever new emotions with each opening.
Domenico Clerico
The Story of Domenico Clerico Winery The Domenico Clerico winery is an emblem of tradition, heritage, and innovation in the Italian wine scene. Founded in the heart of the Langhe region, this winery embodies dedication and passion for Nebbiolo and its finest territorial expressions. Domenico Cler...
How to best open and serve Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico, let the bottle rest upright for at least 24 hours. This precaution allows natural sediments, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass during pouring.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The perfect temperature to enjoy this Barolo is between 18°C and 20°C. If the bottle is stored in a cellar, remove it about an hour before tasting, so that it gradually reaches the ideal temperature. Avoid abrupt temperature changes that could alter the wine's aromatic balance.
3. Opening the bottle
To open Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico, follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule below the neck ring, keeping the movement precise and clean.
- Wipe the rim with a cloth to remove any dust or moisture residue.
- Insert the corkscrew gently, avoiding pushing the screw all the way in to prevent cork fragments from falling into the wine.
- Slowly extract the cork, guiding it until fully open, without abrupt pulling.
4. Inspection and first tasting
Upon opening, check the condition of the cork: it should be elastic and show no signs of mold or excessive dryness. Pour a small amount into the glass for a quick olfactory check. If the aroma is clean, with notes of ripe fruit and spices, the wine is ready to be decanted.
5. Decanting and aeration
Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico greatly benefits from decanting. Proceed as follows:
- Use a clean, transparent decanter.
- Slowly pour the wine along the inner walls, avoiding sudden movements.
- Allow it to aerate for 2-3 hours; this time promotes the full expression of its complex bouquet and elegant tannins.
During decanting, pay attention to any residues: stop before the sediment at the bottom reaches the neck of the bottle.
6. Serving
Serve the wine in large crystal tulip or balloon glasses, ideal for concentrating the aromas. Pour a moderate amount to allow the wine to swirl in the glass and aerate properly. Pair Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico with structured dishes, such as red meats, game, or aged cheeses, to enhance its harmony and complexity.
7. Storage after opening
If you don't consume the entire bottle, reseal it with a vacuum or airtight stopper and store it in the refrigerator. The wine will maintain its characteristics for 2-3 days. Then bring the Barolo DOCG 'Percristina' 2015 - Domenico Clerico back to room temperature before tasting it again, to appreciate its full aromatic depth.