Michele Chiarlo, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2008

 In the 1980s Michele Chiarlo began working to make his Barolo more approachable without losing the unique character of the region.  In the vineyard he lowered yields, while in the winery he controlled fermentation temperatures and reduced the amount of time the fermenting juice spent in contact with the grape skins.  Tortoniano refers to the geological area and its soils, which Chiarlo believes gives this Barolo its elegance.  This is a polished and sophisticated wine with ethereal aromas of roses and cherries with traces of mint, cedar and smoke.  In the mouth layered flavors of cherry, black tea, dark chocolate and licorice are intensified by decisive acidity and dusty tannins.  It’s drinking beautifully now and should continue to develop in the bottle for several more years.