Review: Clerico 2003 Arte Langhe
- vinterest
- Apr 9, 2015
- 1 min read
The low-down: Domenico Clerico is an Italian wine-maker based in Piemonte. This 2003 Arte is from the Langhe DOC, but they also own vineyards in Barbera d'Alba and Barolo. Last year we opened a Dezzani 2006 Barolo as well as attending a Barolo blind tasting.
This family run vineyard began modestly in the 1970s with 5 ha under vine and their grapes being sold to the local co-operative. The decision was made then to produce their own wine and over the last 40 years the family have expanded to 21 ha across Piemonte.
While the Arte is from the more modest Langhe DOC rather than Barolo, the production is extremely small. Three single vineyards (a total 1 ha under vine) contribute to an annual production of only 400 odd cases. The wine is aged in new French oak, and at 14.5% we're expecting some Italian fireworks!
This 12 year old wine set us back E 45 at Le Clos at the Dubai Airport.
The take: A browney-red appearance; light, orangey edges; long, fast, thin legs. A woody, smoked nose - vanilla oak perhaps. Leather, savoury, substantial. Plenty of acidity on the attack. Plenty of tannins too. Earthy. After the decant it's still a bonanza of tannins!
In closing: An earthy, smoked, leathery bonanza of tannins!
Rating: 7 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: Italy
Region: Langhe (DOC)
Producer: Domenico Clerico
Vintage: 2003
Grape: Nebbiolo, barbera
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Premium
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