Located at the heart of Barolo in Monforte d’Alba, the Domenico Clerico estate has been making iconic wines since 1976 when the eponymous young winemaker took the reins. Beginning with just a small 4-hectare farm inherited from his father, Domenico sought out the best undiscovered plots in Barolo, thus pioneering the idea of single cru wines. In 1977 he purchased a plot in Bussia, followed by plots in Ginestra and Pajana as well as Mosconi from which he produces the ‘Percristina’, named for his late daughter. Today the winery boasts 21 hectares of prime vineyard sites, including a newer plot in Serralunga d’Alba purchased in 2005, from which Domenico created the ‘Aeroplanservaj’ Barolo.
In addition to his devotion to single cru vineyards, Clerico championed what is considered a modern style of Barolo, using new burgundy barrels and later barriques to age the wines. He always had an eye toward the future, often experimenting with new technology and longer macerations. Despite his reputation as a modernist, the primary goal was always to maintain purity of fruit and expression of the land, which the Domenico Clerico wines achieve beautifully. Domenico passed away in 2017, leaving the estate to his wife and niece to manage. Along with winemaker Oscar Arrivabene, the family continues to shape Domenico’s legacy by producing timeless wines that embody the land and spirit of Barolo.
We are pleased to offer these four very, very special wines.
Six cases
2018 Domenico Clerico Langhe Dolcetto "Visadi", $16.99
This is just a beautiful Dolcetto, redolent of rose gardens and lavender fields. Less rustic than most Dolcettos, the finish is slender, soft, and silky. The fruit comes from the Ginestra, Mosconi, and San Pietro crus with about 10 rows planted immediately outside the appellation lines (for this reason the wine is a Langhe Dolcetto and not a Dolcetto d'Alba). It sees just four brief days of skin maceration, accounting for its delicate approach. The fruit is harvested early to keep the alcohol content low. One of the finest Dolcettos in my memory. Drink now through 2023. 90+ points from the Wine Advocate.
Purchase the Dolcetto here:
https://sunfishcellars.com/products/sunfish-2310
Two cases
2016 Domenico Clerico Barbera d'Alba Travigne, $24.99
A beautifully intense Barbera from the very successful 2016 vintage. Deep and rich, maturing but with a decade to go. Perfect with pasta Bolognese. 91 points from The Wine Advocate.
Purchase the Barbera here:
https://sunfishcellars.com/products/clericobarberadalbatrevigne2016
Ten cases
2015 Domenico Clerico Barolo, $48.99
This is an extremely elegant and graceful expression with classic Monforte d'Alba characteristics: The wine shows a tight and powerful inner core and the qualities for long cellar aging. You have everything you want from Barolo in this one bottle. A truly stunning wine for drinking now through 2030. 94 points from The Wine Advocate.
Purchase the Barolo here:
https://sunfishcellars.com/products/clericobarolo2015
Two cases
2015 Domenico Clerico Barolo Pajana, $89.99
A beautifully saturated color with dark garnet and ruby highlights. Robust, structured, and deep. The bouquet is layered, multifaceted, and fluid. Despite the many adjectives you could use to describe the bouquet, one thing does not change and that is the sheer intensity of this impressive Barolo Pajana. A wine for the ages. Drink 2024 to 2050 and beyond. 96+ points from The Wine Advocate.
Purchase the Barolo Pajana here:
https://sunfishcellars.com/products/clericopajanabarolo2015
How about 4 Dolcetto, 2 Barbera, 4 Barolo, and 2 Barolo Pajana for only $469.19!
And you can meet the winemaker, Oscar Arrivabene, at our Zoom tasting of Domenico Clerico wines on December 10th!