The winery
Domenico Clerico
Domenico Clerico winery (Monforte d'Alba, Langhe, Piedmont) known for single‑vineyard Barolos. The Barolo “Pajana” is a plot in the Ginestra cru (Monforte d’Alba), 100% Nebbiolo, limited production (~4,500 bottles) with ageing in barriques and large wooden casks.
- Piedmont (Langhe, Monforte d'Alba) · Italy
- 4 products
The story
Winemaking activity began in the late 1970s (Clerico took over/started working the vineyards in the 1970s) and he became a leading figure of modern Barolo. Domenico Clerico died on 16 July 2017.
Production philosophy
Emphasis on single crus and careful vineyard management; temperature‑controlled vinification, combined ageing in barriques and Slavonian casks, and a respectful agricultural approach (organic practices cited though not always certified).
Terroir and vineyards
Based in Monforte d'Alba; vineyards in several Monforte crus (Ginestra — Pajana and Ciabot Mentin — Mosconi — Bussia). Pajana: about 1.8 ha, 290–350 m asl; soils of loam/sand/clay with traces of limestone.
Awards and recognition
The winery's individual wines have received recognition and ratings from international publications and critics, earning high scores for several crus. The winery publishes an awards section on its website.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Nebbiolo
- Barbera
- Dolcetto
- Hectares
- 21.0
- Bottles per year
- 110000
What makes it distinctive
- Historic Barolo producer with a strong sense of place.
- Recognized cru wines: Ciabot Mentin, Percristina, Aeroplanservaj, Pajana, Briccotto
- Strong focus on Nebbiolo; also produces Barbera and Dolcetto.
- Company with an international commercial presence and numerous food and wine awards.