Domenico Clerico 'Capisme-e' Nebbiolo, Langhe, Piemonte, Italy 2023
Domenico Clerico began his winemaking career in 1976, taking over the family farm in Monforte d'Alba at the heart of the Barolo zone. His first acquisitions beyond the inherited holdings came quickly: a parcel in Bussia in 1977, Ginestra in 1981, Pajana in 1990, and Mosconi in 1995 — building one of the most focused portfolios of premier Monforte d'Alba crus in the appellation. Alongside Elio Altare, Roberto Voerzio, and a small circle of contemporaries, Clerico was central to the modernist renaissance of Barolo in the 1980s, insisting on single-vineyard wines, lower yields, and a Burgundy-influenced precision in both vineyard and cellar. His barrique-aged Nebbiolo-Barbera blend 'Arte,' conceived with Marc de Grazia in 1983, was the prototype "super-Piedmont" wine. Following Clerico's premature death in 2017, the estate has been steered by his wife Giuliana alongside winemaker and general manager Oscar Arrivabene, who has continued the house's commitment to terroir fidelity and quality across the full range. 'Capisme-e' — meaning "understand me" in Piedmontese dialect — was conceived as an entry point into the Clerico world: Nebbiolo in its most unmediated form, without oak.
- WINEMAKER: Oscar Arrivabene
- FARMING: Sustainable with organic practices. Estate vineyards; 3 hectares dedicated to the Capisme-e.
- VARIETY: 100% Nebbiolo
- TERROIR: Sourced from the Bricco San Pietro MGA in Monforte d'Alba, within the Barolo production zone. Soils are Sant'Agata Fossili Marl — fine, silty, calcareous sediments characteristic of the Barolo appellation — at altitude in the Langhe hills. Fruit from this parcel would qualify for Barolo DOCG classification but is vinified as Langhe DOC to produce a more immediate, oak-free expression. The 2023 growing season was affected by heat and humidity, producing wines of leaner mouthfeel and higher aromatic brightness relative to the cooler years of the previous cycle. Production: 18,000 bottles.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested grapes carefully sorted upon arrival. Short maceration on skins of 6–8 days with delicate extraction at lower fermentation temperatures, maximizing aromatic preservation while drawing only the most supple tannins. No systemic yeasts; gentle handling throughout.
- AGING: 9 months in stainless steel tanks and amphorae. No oak used at any stage. Bottled to preserve freshness and primary fruit character.
- TASTING NOTES: Bright ruby. The nose is aromatic and lifted, with dried raspberry, tart cherry, white pepper, hibiscus, and hints of dried ginger and licorice. The palate is silky and vivid, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a saline, savory thread through the finish. Transparent, fruit-forward, and immediately pleasurable.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Pasta al ragù, roasted chicken, charcuterie, pizza, medium-aged cheeses. Serve slightly cool.
- SCORES: Wine Advocate: 91 pts (Monica Larner); Wine Enthusiast: 92 pts (Jeff Porter, December 2025); Falstaff: 92 pts (2024)
Domenico Clerico 'Capisme-e' Nebbiolo, Langhe, Piemonte, Italy 2023
Domenico Clerico began his winemaking career in 1976, taking over the family farm in Monforte d'Alba at the heart of the Barolo zone. His first acquisitions beyond the inherited holdings came quickly: a parcel in Bussia in 1977, Ginestra in 1981, Pajana in 1990, and Mosconi in 1995 — building one of the most focused portfolios of premier Monforte d'Alba crus in the appellation. Alongside Elio Altare, Roberto Voerzio, and a small circle of contemporaries, Clerico was central to the modernist renaissance of Barolo in the 1980s, insisting on single-vineyard wines, lower yields, and a Burgundy-influenced precision in both vineyard and cellar. His barrique-aged Nebbiolo-Barbera blend 'Arte,' conceived with Marc de Grazia in 1983, was the prototype "super-Piedmont" wine. Following Clerico's premature death in 2017, the estate has been steered by his wife Giuliana alongside winemaker and general manager Oscar Arrivabene, who has continued the house's commitment to terroir fidelity and quality across the full range. 'Capisme-e' — meaning "understand me" in Piedmontese dialect — was conceived as an entry point into the Clerico world: Nebbiolo in its most unmediated form, without oak.
- WINEMAKER: Oscar Arrivabene
- FARMING: Sustainable with organic practices. Estate vineyards; 3 hectares dedicated to the Capisme-e.
- VARIETY: 100% Nebbiolo
- TERROIR: Sourced from the Bricco San Pietro MGA in Monforte d'Alba, within the Barolo production zone. Soils are Sant'Agata Fossili Marl — fine, silty, calcareous sediments characteristic of the Barolo appellation — at altitude in the Langhe hills. Fruit from this parcel would qualify for Barolo DOCG classification but is vinified as Langhe DOC to produce a more immediate, oak-free expression. The 2023 growing season was affected by heat and humidity, producing wines of leaner mouthfeel and higher aromatic brightness relative to the cooler years of the previous cycle. Production: 18,000 bottles.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested grapes carefully sorted upon arrival. Short maceration on skins of 6–8 days with delicate extraction at lower fermentation temperatures, maximizing aromatic preservation while drawing only the most supple tannins. No systemic yeasts; gentle handling throughout.
- AGING: 9 months in stainless steel tanks and amphorae. No oak used at any stage. Bottled to preserve freshness and primary fruit character.
- TASTING NOTES: Bright ruby. The nose is aromatic and lifted, with dried raspberry, tart cherry, white pepper, hibiscus, and hints of dried ginger and licorice. The palate is silky and vivid, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a saline, savory thread through the finish. Transparent, fruit-forward, and immediately pleasurable.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Pasta al ragù, roasted chicken, charcuterie, pizza, medium-aged cheeses. Serve slightly cool.
- SCORES: Wine Advocate: 91 pts (Monica Larner); Wine Enthusiast: 92 pts (Jeff Porter, December 2025); Falstaff: 92 pts (2024)