Domenico Clerico : Ciabot Mentin 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Ciabot Mentin 2020 by Domenico Clerico

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a deep garnet-red color with ruby highlights, reflecting its youth and vitality.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. It opens on ripe red fruits, notably cherry and redcurrant, alongside blood orange and menthol. With aeration, the bouquet develops notes of licorice, dried flowers (violet and rose), herbes de Provence, sweet spices, and candied citrus zest. Nuances of blackcurrant, camphor, smoke, and a mineral character evoking graphite and crushed stone complete this aromatic palette.

Palate

The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with a concentrated core of dark fruit, particularly cranberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry. The tannins stand out for their velvety, elegant, and exceptionally polished texture, offering remarkable finesse rather than pronounced astringency. Bright, refreshing acidity brings structure and energy, preventing any heaviness despite the wine’s concentration. Saline mineral notes enhance the complexity and underscore the expression of terroir. The finish is long, detailed, and persistent, with a continuous evolution of aromatic and flavor elements, including citrus touches, sustained minerality, and refined oak integration.

Food and wine pairings

This Barolo is an ideal match for aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano. It pairs perfectly with roasted red meats, braised meat dishes, and game such as venison or wild boar. Preparations featuring truffles, mushrooms, and umami-rich ingredients also bring out the wine’s terroir-driven character.

Serving and cellaring

The Ciabot Mentin 2020 can be enjoyed from 2027 and will continue to evolve until around 2046. Decanting is recommended to allow the wine to fully open up.

An exceptional Piedmont Barolo from the Ginestra terroir in Monforte d'Alba

The estate

Founded in 1976 by Domenico Clerico in Monforte d'Alba in Piedmont, the estate now spans around 21 hectares across the prestigious crus of Ginestra, Bussia, Mosconi, and Pajana. An iconic figure of the “Barolo Boys” movement, Domenico Clerico revolutionized Barolo production by prioritizing the expression of terroir and viticultural quality. After his passing in 2017, his widow Giuliana took over the estate’s management, alongside winemaker Oscar Arrivabene, who carries forward the spirit of innovation and excellence. The estate is committed to organic viticulture, with certification expected for the 2024 vintage.

The vineyard

The Ciabot Mentin vineyard is located in the Ginestra cru in Monforte d'Alba, between 390 and 420 meters above sea level, with an east and southeast exposure. The soils are composed of approximately 32.5% sand, 46.1% silt, and 21.4% clay, enriched with active limestone and fossil deposits from the Tortonian stage of the Miocene, 11 to 12 million years ago. These compact, demanding soils of marine origin naturally restrain the vigor of Nebbiolo, limiting yields and concentrating aromas. The Nebbiolo vines were planted in 1978 and were around 42 years old at the time of the 2020 vintage. The estate practices environmentally respectful viticulture, prioritizing biodiversity and soil health.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in Piedmont unfolded under favorable conditions. The growing cycle developed harmoniously, with extended ripening driven by steady warmth and cool nighttime temperatures that preserved acidity and aromatic complexity. A dry autumn allowed natural ripening to be completed, enabling hand harvesting at the optimal point of physiological maturity.

Winemaking and aging

For the first time in the history of Ciabot Mentin 2020, the estate abandoned barrel aging in favor of exclusive aging in large oak casks. After a 20- to 30-day skin maceration with temperature-controlled fermentation, this Barolo wine was aged only in large wooden vessels, completely eliminating the influence of new oak that characterized previous vintages. This technical evolution aims to favor a pure expression of terroir and to achieve a better balance between fruit and oak.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo