Wine of the Day: Domenico Clerico Arte Langhe Rosso Magnums 11-3-16

Domenico Clerico Langhe Rosso Arte 2011 1.5L ($89.95) Buy now: $66 special

Saul:
Clerico Arte Langhe Rosso Magnum 2011Domenico Clerico will forever be known as one of the “Barolo Boys” for good reason.  A leading modernist in the 1980’s and 1990’s, Clerico has for a long time been known for his pioneering vineyard work and embrace of Burgundian-style oak barrels for aging Nebbiolo (barrique). But that’s not to say that Clerico stayed the same.  Since the late 90’s, Clerico has been lengthening his maceration times and adding a touch of “old school” to his collection—with one exception, his wine called Arte, an expression of the winemaker’s art.

The Domenico Clerico Langhe Rosso Arte is his last pure modernist wine, and what we wanted to highlight today, as it shows why the modernista wines made such a splash when they were new to the scene. It’s a blend of Nebbiolo with a touch of Barbera (like Gaja’s single vineyard wines) and is aged solely in barrique.  This, combined with relatively short maceration times, means that it’s far more approachable and supple now than you’d expect from a wine sourced from premier vineyards in Ginestra, Pajana and Mosconi.  If you missed the chance to experience the Domenico Clerico wines in the 1990’s, this bottling is your best shot—and we secured over 50 of just 500 magnums produced in the 2011 vintage.

Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(90% nebbiolo and 10% barbera; aged for 18 months in new French oak):  Good medium red.  Perfumed aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and spices.  Intense and vibrant, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic lift.  Very classy, delineated wine.” ST