Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra (1983)

About this wine

The 1983 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from Domenico Clerico offers a captivating bouquet of dried cherries, leather, and earthy notes, reflecting its age and the unique terroir of the Ginestra vineyard. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of mature red fruit flavors, complemented by subtle hints of licorice and tobacco. The tannins have softened over time, providing a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. This vintage is notable for being among the early productions from Clerico, marking his emergence as a significant figure in Barolo winemaking. The wine's enduring structure and depth highlight the exceptional aging potential of Nebbiolo from this esteemed region.

About the grape

Nebbiolo is a grape variety native to Italy's Piedmont region, known for its late ripening and preference for calcareous marl soils. The 1983 Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra is crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Ginestra vineyard, situated in Monforte d'Alba. This vineyard, acquired by Domenico Clerico in the early 1980s, is notable for its east-facing slopes and elevations between 390 and 420 meters, providing optimal conditions for Nebbiolo cultivation. The name 'Ciabot Mentin' reflects local tradition, with 'Ciabot' meaning a small house among the vines and 'Mentin' referring to the previous owner from whom Clerico purchased the plot.

Quick facts

• 🏡 The name 'Ciabot Mentin' combines 'Ciabot,' meaning a small house among the vines, and 'Mentin,' the nickname of the previous vineyard owner, Clemente.
• 🍷 The 1983 vintage of this Barolo was among the early releases that helped establish Domenico Clerico's reputation as a leading Barolo producer.
• 🌱 The Ginestra vineyard, where this wine originates, is renowned for its calcareous and clay-rich soils, contributing to the wine's complexity and aging potential.
• 🔬 Domenico Clerico was a pioneer in adopting modern winemaking techniques in Barolo, blending traditional methods with innovative approaches to enhance wine quality.
• ⏳ Barolo wines, like the 1983 Ciabot Mentin Ginestra, are known for their longevity, often developing greater complexity and depth over decades.

Palate profile

Producer

Domenico Clerico, established in 1976 in Monforte d'Alba, Italy, began when Domenico took over his father's small farm, transitioning from selling grapes to producing his own wines. He was a pioneer in the modernist movement in Barolo, introducing green harvesting and aging wines in French barriques, which was a departure from traditional methods. In 2011, the winery moved into a modern facility designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding hillsides, reflecting the innovative spirit of its founder. After Domenico's passing in 2017, his wife Giuliana and the dedicated team continued his legacy, maintaining the winery's reputation for producing exceptional Barolo wines.