Domenico Clerico Barolo 2020

Cellar for up to 30 years. Decant for an hour before serving. On the hunt for the king of Italian red wines among the misty hills of Piedmont, Domenico Clerico Winery is an important stop on your journey. Low-yielding vineyards are the foundation for top-tier Barolo, which the winery has been producing since 1976. Founder Domenico passed away in 2017, but the winery and his entrepreneurial spirit survive in the form of his wife and niece, who run the winery together with head winemaker Oscar Arrivabeno. Domenico Clerico wines are a stunning combination of tradition and modernity - and this Barolo is a perfect example of their carefully cultivated excellence. The nose is refined, revealing notes of rose petals and pungent black fruits. The Nebbiolo grapes are sourced exclusively from Monforte d'Alba, gifting this wine with an ever so slightly exaggerated cherry side. They were aged in oak barrels for 20 months overall, imparting a fantastic tannic structure. On the palate, it is bold and clear, with chiming fruit notes, delicate minerality and hints of leather and truffle. Dark berry notes persist into the finish, which lingers long on the tongue - and memory. Domenico Clerico’s take on Barolo is unmistakable, and a perfect choice for a luxurious evening. Consider pairing it with osso buco, or a prime piece of red meat.

Price: £42.12 from 8wines UK