Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont’s most respected and dynamic producers, with a history that spans over six decades and a reputation built on both tradition and innovation. Founded in 1956 by Michele Chiarlo in Calamandrana, at the heart of the Monferrato zone, the estate began as a small family winery and has grown into an international ambassador for Piedmontese wine, particularly Barbera, Barolo, and Barbaresco.
From the beginning, Michele Chiarlo focused on quality over quantity, working closely with growers and later acquiring prime vineyards across Piedmont. Today the family controls around 110 hectares, including prestigious holdings in some of the region’s most celebrated crus: Cerequio and Cannubi in Barolo, Asili in Barbaresco, and La Court in Nizza Monferrato. These vineyards are the foundation of the estate’s reputation, producing wines that capture the diversity and character of Piedmont’s great terroirs.
The Chiarlo philosophy blends respect for tradition with a modern sensitivity to balance and finesse. Vineyard work is meticulous, with a strong commitment to sustainable practices and low yields to ensure concentration and purity. In the cellar, the approach is careful and measured: fermentations are managed to highlight aromatics and freshness, while oak ageing is applied with restraint, allowing fruit and terroir to take center stage.
While Barolo and Barbaresco form the pinnacle of the range, Michele Chiarlo has also been instrumental in elevating the status of Barbera, particularly through the La Court vineyard in Nizza, which was a driving force behind the recognition of Nizza as its own DOCG in 2014. Beyond these classics, the estate produces an array of wines across Piedmont’s appellations, including Gavi, Moscato d’Asti, and Monferrato reds, offering both breadth and depth.
Now led by Michele’s sons Alberto and Stefano, the estate continues to balance tradition and innovation. Their stewardship has ensured that Michele Chiarlo remains one of Piedmont’s most consistent and forward-looking producers — a family-run house that expresses the richness of the region from everyday wines to some of its most esteemed crus.