We are off to Italy with Super Wine Girl Angela Aiello. And she is taking us on a journey into Piedmont. A region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland and sits at the foot of the Alps.
Piedmont is surrounded on three sides by the Alps. It is mostly mountainous with extensive areas of hills making it ideal for grape growing. It is the leading producer of confectionery, coffee, rice and white truffles. Aiello says Piedmont is one of the great winegrowing regions in all of Italy.
Michele Chiarlo
Since 1956, it has grown 110 hectares of vineyards between Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi. Aiello says it uses only indigenous grape varieties such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cortese and Moscato.
Michele Chiarlo was among the first companies to join VIVA, which is the project of sustainable wine culture made up of several of the most important wineries in Italy. Michele Chiarlo joined in 2011 when the programme was already in the pilot project stage.
The goal of VIVA is to monitor and assess the entire production chain, its purpose to identify and develop tools for a low impact corporate model, not only in terms of agricultural practice, but in the context of global, regional and community production.
Michaele Chiarlo wines available at LCBO include:
GAVI DOCG – $18.95
This wine is Grape Cortese and aged in stainless steel. Aiello says it is floral and fruity with exotic fruits and white peach. She says it pairs great with fish, spicy foods and delicate starter dishes.
2019 Barbera D’Asti DOCG – $15.95
This wine is a Barbara grape from the Asti region of Piedemont. It is aged in stainless steel and is fresh with red fruit like cherry and currants. It is structured, fresh and harmonious and silky with a savoury finish. Aiello says to pair it with tomato and pizza.
