Michele Chiarlo’s Barbera d’Asti Nizza La Court is widely regarded as the flagship expression of both the estate and the Nizza denomination itself. Produced from the historic La Court vineyard in the heart of Monferrato, this wine has played a defining role in elevating Barbera from a humble, everyday grape to a variety capable of producing world-class reds with depth, complexity, and longevity.
The La Court vineyard, first acquired by the Chiarlo family in the 1990s, is a prized south-facing site with calcareous-clay soils that provide excellent drainage and encourage deep root systems. Old vines, low yields, and careful hand-harvesting ensure fruit of exceptional quality, concentrated yet balanced. This vineyard became a cornerstone in the campaign to establish Nizza as its own DOCG in 2014, a recognition that owes much to Michele Chiarlo’s advocacy and vision.
In the glass, La Court shows Barbera at its most refined. Aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and plum mingle with notes of spice, violet, and subtle tobacco. On the palate, it offers generous fruit intensity supported by vibrant acidity — the hallmark of Barbera — along with fine, velvety tannins and judicious oak influence from ageing in large barrels and tonneaux. The finish is long, elegant, and layered, with the capacity to evolve beautifully in the cellar.
This wine demonstrates that Barbera, in the right terroir and under the right hands, can achieve a level of sophistication and gravitas once reserved for Piedmont’s Nebbiolo-based wines. La Court is not only Michele Chiarlo’s signature Barbera but also a symbol of the Nizza appellation’s rise to prominence — a wine that combines authenticity, modern craftsmanship, and a true sense of place.