From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Barbera

Taste & Critical Acclaim: The Michele Chiarlo "Le Orme" Barbera d'Asti is a vibrant and approachable Barbera that showcases the best qualities of this versatile varietal. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of ripe red cherries, blueberries, and plum, complemented by notes of fresh herbs, vanilla, and a subtle hint of spice. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy acidity and smooth tannins, highlighting flavors of dark berries, cherry, and a touch of mocha. The wine’s balanced structure is enhanced by a clean, refreshing finish with lingering notes of red fruit and a hint of minerality. This Barbera d'Asti is both elegant and versatile, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of dishes.

WE 92: 92 PTS. / WINE ENTHUSIAST (11/1/2023)
Aromas of juicy plums, macerated blackberries and intense purple flower notes dusted with savory spice pour from the glass. Fresh and fruit-forward, on the generous palate it gives tarter cherry notes with wild herbs finishing with subtle notes of roasted earth and anise. (Jeff Porter)

JS 91: 91 PTS. / JAMESSUCKLING.COM (Saturday, September 2, 2023)
Quite an elegant nose, showing rich plum and berry fruit, together with notes of flowers and bark. Medium-bodied with a silky mouthfeel, but tight by the end, with a light bead of tannin poking through. Drink now. (James Suckling)

SP 90: 90 PTS. / WINE SPECTATOR (Nov 30, 2024)
A racy version, with the vibrant acidity defining flavors of blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry and violet. Firm and balanced, this leaves a mouthwatering impression on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 30,000 cases made, 12,000 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)

Pairing: This friendly, red-fruited Barbera d’Asti pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, risotto, and even salmon or tuna would be easy-peasy pairings. Other ideas include serving this with charcuterie, such as salami, soppressata, and mortadella, as well as comfort foods like homemade meatballs or burgers. Additionally, consider pairing it with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, as well as umami-forward foods like mushrooms and truffles. 

“In Asti, the vineyard is perfect for Barbera — the second most praised indigenous variety from Piemonte after Nebbiolo —, which is the brand’s battle horse. South facing, on the superior and most sunny part of the hill, the Barbera reaches top maturity while still keeping its tangy sour cherry and acidic character.  
Le Orme is the perfect example. It’s meant to “drink fresh (15 degrees) with fish, pasta and tomato sauce”, or even better, with the traditional appetizer, salame cotto (‘cooked salami’). 
“When you want to have fun, you drink Barbera”, says Alberto.” - Michele Chiarlo : A story of family and great wines by Gabrielle Bolland of Tastet, last updated May 31, 2023. 

About this wine. Michele Chiarlo captures the essence of Piedmont, one of the most incredible wine regions in Italy and in the world. Le Orme is a classic Barbera d’Asti wine. It is the flagship wine of Michele Chiarlo, and its name translates as “the footsteps” or “legacy”.

Le Orme is an expression of all four Michele Chiarlo Barbera estates in the Nizza area, including the iconic La Court estate. The Barbera grapes grow in light-colored soils called Astian - meaning from Asti - sands that are rich in lime and microelements. 

Temperature controlled fermentation, including 10 days of maceration on the skins, in stainless steel tanks yields the dark, rich color that is typical of great Barbera wines. The wine is aged in large French oak casks for 3 months then rests in stainless steel and in bottle before release for a total of 16 months aging.

Vintage Notes. The 2021 vintage began with rain and snow that piled up to 24 inches among the vineyards. March was dry with temperatures above average that prompted an early start of vegetation. Spring brought previous rainfall and below average temperatures that lasted until the end of May slowed the development of the vines. June was the beginning of a long, hot, and dry summer that lasted until a mild September. Harvest was at the usual time, yielding healthy and perfectly ripe grapes characterized by outstanding balance.