One of the greatest innovators in the Italian wine world,
producing iconic wines since 1976 from Monforte d’Alba, the heart of the Barolo region.
“Wine after wine was concentrated and expressive, with plenty of youthful Nebbiolo fruit, the stamp of each vineyard, and the muscular tannins that allow Clerico’s wines to age.”
— Wine Spectator
“Domenico Clerico is a name that refers to innovative ideas in both the vineyard and the cellar, a name that goes down in history for breaking the mould and visionary choices.”
— WinesCritic
Hosted by Oscar Arrivabene,
Winemaker and General Manager
4 x Verticals
Barolo ‘Ciabot Mentin’
2018 (Dinner)
2019
2020
Barolo ‘Aeroplanservaj’
2017 (Dinner)
2018
2019
2020
Barolo Del Comune di Monforte d'Alba
2017
2019
2021
Barolo ‘Pajana’
2018 (Dinner)
2019
2020
Friday May 30th
Hosted by Oscar Arrivabene, Winemaker and General Manager
Masterclass: 5.30-7.00pm, 13 wines, with canapes, $135
Dinner: 7.30pm, 16 Wines, 4 Course Meal, $295
(Dinner - 14 guests maximum)
Our Joint Host, Oscar Arrivabene
Oscar Arrivabene serves as the winemaker and general manager at the esteemed Domenico Clerico estate in Monforte d’Alba, a pivotal winery in the Barolo region of Italy. With nearly two decades of experience at the estate, Oscar has been instrumental in continuing and evolving the legacy of the late founder, Domenico Clerico.
Oscar's journey in winemaking began with formal studies in enology, followed by hands-on experience in various wine regions, including Valtellina in northern Italy and a stint in Australia. His diverse background has equipped him with a broad perspective on viticulture and winemaking techniques. In the early 2000s, Oscar joined the Domenico Clerico team, drawn by the winery's commitment to quality and innovation. He recalls, "I was looking for a family-owned company just focused on quality. And so in the moment that we met each other, we clicked."
Under Oscar's leadership, the winery has embraced a philosophy that balances tradition with modernity. He has overseen a shift towards organic practices in the vineyard and a more restrained use of oak in the cellar, aiming to produce wines that are authentic expressions of their terroir. Oscar emphasizes the importance of allowing each vineyard's unique character to shine through, stating, "Our wines are like Ferraris—we make them because they are beautiful, not because they are practical."
Oscar's dedication to the land and respect for the winery's heritage have been crucial in maintaining the high standards set by Domenico Clerico. His approach ensures that the wines continue to reflect the distinctive qualities of Monforte d’Alba, offering both power and elegance.
The Wine List & Menu
First Course
Dolcetto 'Visadi' 2021
Deep violet crimson. Inviting, lifted blackberry nose with an inky note. Sappy, juicy, sweet, freshly crushed blackberry fruit with a fine grip of tannins on the finish. Quite gorgeous.
17/20 points, Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Barbera 'Trevigne' 2020
Intense ruby red colour with a violet hue. Ripe plum and blackberry on the nose, followed by pepper and tobacco. Juicy start on the palate, great tension, refreshing acidity, polished tannins, animating, subtly salty final.
92 points, Falstaff
Langhe Nebbiolo 'Capisme-e' 2023 (New Release)
Here is an easy-drinking Nebbiolo made in stainless steel only. The Domenico Clerico 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo Capisme-e is tangy and spicy with dried raspberry, tart cherry and white pepper. There are hints of dried ginger and licorice at the back. This was a difficult vintage because of heat and humidity, and the results are leaner in terms of mouthfeel. Production is 18,000 bottles.
91 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Second Course
Barolo Del Comune di Monforte d'Alba 2021 (New Release)
Barolo Del Comune di Monforte d'Alba 2019
94 points, Rob Parker’s Wine Advocate
Monforte d’Alba. Lustrous mid ruby. Complex and serious nose, with compact raspberry fruit. Suave, succulent, polished, fresh red-berry fruit with long, deep, sandpapery tannins. Long and with savoury notes. Overachieving.
17.5/20 points, Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Barolo Del Comune di Monforte d'Alba 2017
A firm, structured 2017 with pretty balance and finesse for the vintage. Medium-to full-bodied with tight, integrated tannins and a fresh and bright finish. Attractive strawberry and cherry character. Drinkable now, but better in 2023.
93 points, James Suckling
Third Course
Barolo Ginestra 'Pajana' 2020
The Domenico Clerico 2020 Barolo Ginestra Pajana (with 5,000 bottles made) shows great balance between dark fruit and integrated spice from increasingly hands-off oak aging. The results are impeccably smooth, and the fruit remains bright, very vibrant. It closes dry with smoky tar and licorice. However, the Pajana holds a big fruit profile, and it carries throughout. The combination of fruit and tannins roll over the palate, making this an important, age-worthy Barolo. These vineyards were planted in 1971 with about half re-planted in 1991. This vintage represents the first time that the Clerico team has worked exclusively with 5,000-liter oak botti, and this important tweak brings beautiful results.
96 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Barolo Ginestra 'Pajana' 2019
"Notes of wild plums and rhubarb on the nose, a hint of mint from the Aosta Valley, nutmeg notes on the finish. Dense, compact mouthfeel, salty-spicy tannins, finishes with a fruity-mental aftertaste.
97 points, Luca Gardini
Barolo Ginestra 'Pajana' 2018
The 2018 Barolo Ginestra Pajana shows a savory character with some delicate spice and smoke that is carefully folded into dark fruit, plum and earthy flower or iris root. Fruit comes from a site in the Ginestra MGA that was planted in 1971 with additional vines added in 1991. The wine shows excellent complexity and balanced intensity that is well-suited to long cellar aging.
95 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Fourth Course
Barolo Ginestra 'Ciabot Mentin' 2020
The Domenico Clerico 2020 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin shows a really great balance in terms of the integration of oak. For the first time, the winery has decided to use large oak barrels (the barrique has been completely removed), and the results are exceptional. There are lots of dark fruits, such as cranberries and redcurrants, which characterise the wine throughout. There is also black tea and spice, but these tones work with the fruit rather than against it. The wine finishes supple, with polished tannins, lovely acidity and a much brighter and lighter overall personality.
97 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Barolo ‘Ciabot Mentin’, Ginestra Cru, Monforte d’Alba 2019
The Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin (with 5,500 bottles made with fruit from vines planted in 1978) is a bit closed initially. This is a trait I found across a vintage that gives us good reason to bet on long bottle-aging potential. There is dark fruit and spice with licorice and grilled herb. Rusty mineral nuances also emerge slowly from the bouquet. This wine needs a double decant if consumed on the young side, but you're better off waiting. I came back to my open sample 24 hours later, and the wine was singing beautifully.
97 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Barolo Ginestra 'Ciabot Mentin' 2018
The 2018 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin from Domenico Clerico, one of Piedmont's iconic producers, offers stunning complexity with a fine mesh of aromas ranging from black and purple fruits to rusty nails, candied orange peel and liquorice. It culminates in a beautiful aromatic lift that comes in the form of dried mint and roasted anise.
96 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Fifth Course
Barolo ‘Aeroplanservaj’ Serralunga d’Alba 2020
The 2020 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj offers a bright and elegant fruit profile with tart fruit, blackcurrant, spice, cola, licorice and candied orange peel. It feels ironed out and smooth, folding softly over the palate initially yet ending with firm structure and framing.
96 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Barolo ‘Aeroplanservaj’ Serralunga d’Alba 2019
With its colorful fantasy label, the Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj shows dark fruit and a velvety texture with rusty nail and pencil shaving. This vintage carries more overall concentration and structure, and the results are both rich and extremely beautiful. Fruit comes from vines planted in 1994. The wine ages in large oak casks mostly, with about 10% in barrique.
97 Points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Barolo ‘Aeroplanservaj’ Serralunga d’Alba 2018
Showing nice softness and ample fruit weight, the 2018 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj is a bold and contemporary expression of Nebbiolo with dark fruit, cured tobacco, candied orange peel, rusty nail and ferrous earth. Fruit is sourced from the Baudana MGA in Serralunga d'Alba with vines planted in 1994. The tannins are plush and rich, and this beautiful collectors' bottle awards you with multilayered complexity and depth.
96 Points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Barolo ‘Aeroplanservaj’ Serralunga d’Alba 2017
The 2017 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj offers rich concentration and a robust center of gravity that is indicative of Serralunga d'Alba, the village where this fruit is cultivated. This is always one of my favorite wines in the Clerico portfolio. This vintage reveals extra power and elegance that pull in both directions, but it is what ultimately gives this wine harmony. This bottle will definitely require patience and more cellaring.
95+ Points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate