# Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva (2019)

- **Producer:** Michele Chiarlo
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €1295
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** rose, violet, black cherry, red plum, cedar, cloves, vanilla, dried fruit, forest floor, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva 2019 by Michele Chiarlo is a distinguished red wine from the Barbaresco DOCG appellation in Piedmont, Italy. It is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes sourced exclusively from the Montestefano cru vineyard. This wine is a special release, produced only in exceptional vintages, highlighting the unique characteristics of its historic vineyard site. Michele Chiarlo, the producer, is a family-owned winery established in 1956, known for its dedication to quality and terroir-driven winemaking in Piedmont.

## Interesting facts

- Montestefano cru is often called the 'most Barolo-like Barbaresco'.
- Vines in Montestefano are over 70 years old.
- This Riserva is produced in very limited quantities.
- The 2019 is the first release of this specific Riserva.

## Food pairing

The wine's substantial structure and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the proteins in red meat and game dishes, softening the tannins and enhancing the savory flavors. Its complexity and depth can stand up to rich sauces and earthy ingredients like truffles and mushrooms.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva 2019 begins with a harvest from the Montestefano cru vineyard. Fermentation involves approximately 20 days of skin contact at around 30°C, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine then undergoes an extensive aging period of 4 years: 2 years in large oak barrels (25-50 hl) and 2 years of bottle refinement. This meticulous process is designed to develop the wine's structure and complexity.