2022 Chiarlo - Nizza DOCG Barbera Cipressi (750ml)

Positioned between 230 and 280 meters above sea level along southeast-facing slopes, the 2022 Chiarlo Nizza DOCG Barbera Cipressi concentrates minerality and vibrant acidity through careful canopy management and low-yield viticulture. Sourced exclusively from the La Court estate in Castelnuovo Calcea, the vines root deeply into marine-origin calcareous clay marl deposits locally classified as astiane sand. High lime and magnesium content in the soil buffers sugar accumulation at harvest, preserving the grape’s characteristic crisp backbone while allowing full phenolic maturity. Maintaining a planting density of 5,000 vines per hectare restricts yield enough to intensify skin-to-juice ratio before fermentation begins.

Following standard maceration, the base wine transfers into large-format oak casks for approximately twelve months of quiet maturation. Subsequent blending and settling in secondary smaller barrels round out the tannic architecture without introducing aggressive wood influence or sweet vanillin compounds. The finished pour exhibits a luminous garnet hue alongside layered aromatics of black cherry, wild raspberry, anise licorice, sweet tobacco, and subtle traces of pipe smoke and dried leather. Attack delivers bright malic-driven freshness that supports a plush mid-palate, leading to velvety tannins and a persistent savory tail marked by dried plum and faint iron.

This Nizza DOCG assignment aligns naturally with protein-rich preparations and firmly textured dairy. Serve alongside braised beef shanks or herb-crusted roast duck legs to balance the wine’s structured tannins and moderate alcohol. Pair with aged pecorino, wild mushroom tart, or slow-cooked ragù to highlight the earthy secondary notes. Decant thirty minutes at eighteen degrees Celsius to allow the integrated oak structure to harmonize fully with the primary fruit profile.