Michele Chiarlo

The Michele Chiarlo Winery, located in Calamandrana in the province of Asti, has been growing grapes in the Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi regions since 1956. This family-run estate is guided by a clear philosophy: to use only four indigenous grape varieties, to acquire plots only in the finest vineyards, and to ensure that wines are properly aged before release.

The company’s founder, Michele Chiarlo, passed away in 2023. The estate is now run by his sons: Stefano, who is in charge of winemaking, and Alberto, who handles commercial relations.

Vineyards

The estate covers a total of 110 hectares, of which 60 are owned by the family and 50 are cultivated under long-term contracts. The vineyards are located in three areas: on the Langhe hills around Barolo and Barbaresco; in the Monferrato hills around Nizza, home to the finest Barbera d’Asti; and in the Gavi area in south-eastern Piedmont. Key crus include Cerecchio and Cannubi in Barolo, Asili, Fasset and Reina in Barbaresco, and La Cour in Nizza.

All vineyards have been certified as sustainable under the VIVA programme since 2016, and the harvest since 2010. In 2003, an open-air sculpture park called La Court Park was created on 20 hectares of vineyards in Nizza.

Terroir

The Langhe hills south of Alba are built on calcareous marl and clay, with differences in soil composition between the communes giving each Barolo and Barbaresco cru its own character. Crichio in La Morra is known for wines with early aromatic elegance; Cannubi in the village of Barolo is known for its structure and depth. The Nizza area is situated on calcareous, clay-rich soils particularly suited to Barbera. In the Gavi area of Monferrato-Acquesa, white clays and limestone predominate, suitable for the Cortese variety.

Grape varieties

Just four varieties: Nebbiolo for Barolo and Barbaresco; Barbera for Barbera d’Asti; Cortese for Gavi; and Moscato for Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante. No international varieties are grown.

Winemaking

All work in the vineyards and cellars is carried out by hand. Stefano Chiarlo has overseen production for 30 years, introducing new Barbera clones adapted to specific soil types. The approach combines respect for tradition, extended ageing in oak barrels for the finest red wines, and a modern focus on environmental sustainability and the expression of terroir.

The estate is one of the founders of the VIVA Sustainable Wine programme.

Wines

The range is divided into three tiers.

The Palás range comprises affordable wines, ready to drink at a young age.

The Classic range includes appellations such as Barbera d’Asti Superiore, Gavi and Moscato d’Asti Nivola.

The Crus range comprises the estate’s finest single-vineyard wines, produced only in the best vintages: Barolo Cerequio, Barolo Cerequio Riserva, Barolo Cannubi, Barolo Tortoniano, Barbaresco Asili, Barbaresco Reyna and Nizza La Court. Nizza La Court remains the estate’s most acclaimed wine.