Domenico Clerico
Summary
Domenico Clerico operates a 21-hectare estate in Monforte d'Alba, producing primarily Nebbiolo-based wines from prestigious crus including Pajana, Ginestra, Mosconi, and Bussia, where south and southwest-facing vineyards sit at 400-450 meters elevation. The estate combines traditional and modern approaches, fermenting with indigenous yeasts for extended 20-30 day macerations before aging their single-vineyard Barolos in French oak barriques for 24-30 months.
Heritage & Leadership
Domenico Clerico established his eponymous estate in 1976 in Monforte d'Alba, building upon his family's farming heritage in the Langhe. Starting with a small parcel in Bussia, Clerico gradually expanded the estate through strategic vineyard acquisitions in prime Barolo crus. Following Domenico's passing in 2017, his wife Giuliana Clerico assumed leadership alongside winemaker Oscar Arrivabene, maintaining continuity while steering the estate into its next chapter.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate encompasses 21 hectares of vineyards across several of Barolo's most significant crus. The holdings include parcels in Pajana, Ginestra, Mosconi, and Bussia, all situated within Monforte d'Alba. These south and southwest-facing sites sit at elevations between 400-450 meters above sea level. The estate produces single-vineyard Barolos from each of these crus, along with Barbera d'Alba and Dolcetto d'Alba. Nebbiolo comprises 80% of the plantings, with the remainder divided between Barbera and Dolcetto.
Philosophy & Practice
The winery employs temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with extended maceration periods typically lasting 20-30 days for the Barolo wines. The single-vineyard Barolos age in French oak barriques for 24-30 months, followed by additional bottle aging before release. The winery maintains a modern, temperature-controlled barrel cellar, allowing for precise control over the aging environment. Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, and grape sorting is conducted both in the vineyard and at the winery using optical sorting equipment.