In the mouth it is ample and rich yet delicate, with seductive ripe fruit and spice notes and an underlying tannic power of great subtlety, ending in a finish of exceptional length and refinement.

Tasting notes

Sweet, rich black cherry and currant fruit flavors and aromas dominate this refined yet concentrated wine, with notes of violets, pepper, lead pencil and tar supported by a firm acidic core and fine, polished tannins.

Rating

This shows fabulous aromas of crushed ripe, dark fruit and fresh flowers, turning to tar. Full-bodied and chewy, with ultraripe fruit character that verges on raisins but turns to Christmas pudding. Big, slightly rustic wine, but impressive. Best after 2009

Wine maker notes

Michele Chiarlo is proprietor of 15 of a total of 45 acres in the Cerequio vineyard planted in 1972, which he has cultivated directly since 1987. The vines are consistently pruned, thinned and minimally treated to ensure a restricted yield and fruit of great concentration and quality; further selection at harvest takes place as appropriate to the vintage. Fermentation is carried out in contact with the skins to a point dependent upon degree of extraction of polyphenols and tannins, usually a minimum of ten days. Bottling takes place after a two-year period in 5,000-litre Allier oak casks. In time, Cerequio develops an impressive aromatic palette that is both complex and aristocratic.

Technical notes

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Nebbiolo MAXIMUM YIELD: 80 quintals per hectare, corresponding to 52 hl/ha (approximately 230 cases/acre) MINIMUM ALCOHOL: 13% TOTAL ACIDITY: 5.5% - 7% AGING REQUIREMENTS: Minimum 2 years in oak and 1 year in bottle. Total of 5 years