Michele Chiarlo Winery Unveils 30th Vintage of Barolo DOCG Cerequio from 2022 Harvest

On the hills between La Morra and Barolo in Italy’s Piedmont region, the Cerequio vineyard has become a symbol of continuity and identity for the Michele Chiarlo winery. In April 2026, the Chiarlo family marked a milestone with the release of their 30th vintage of Barolo DOCG Cerequio, from the 2022 harvest. This wine is the result of decades of selective production, with Barolo Cerequio only made in years considered worthy of the cru since 1988.

The Cerequio hillside is recognized as one of Barolo’s most historic and prestigious vineyards. Its amphitheater-like shape, sheltered from winds and with gentle slopes, creates a unique microclimate. The vineyard sits at altitudes between 280 and 420 meters and covers about 24 hectares. The soils are calcareous-clayey marls from marine origins, rich in magnesium—up to four times higher than average Barolo soils—which contributes to distinctive mint and eucalyptus notes in the wine.

Michele Chiarlo’s approach to Cerequio has always been based on careful selection and respect for the land. Vineyard work includes measured pruning, multi-stage thinning for optimal ripeness, and manual harvesting. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in large oak vats with about 20 days of skin contact, followed by malolactic fermentation in tanks. The wine then ages for two years in large oak casks and spends at least another year in bottle before release.

The 2022 vintage presented challenges due to a hot and dry growing season. A mild winter with little rain was followed by a spring and summer that advanced vegetation by about two weeks. Careful vineyard management was essential to preserve freshness in the grapes. Harvest took place earlier than usual, between September 20 and 26. The resulting wine shows ripe fruit flavors alongside mint and eucalyptus notes, supported by fine tannins and good acidity. It is approachable now but also has clear aging potential.

Cerequio’s reputation is not only built on its wines but also on its cultural significance. The Chiarlo family has restored the hamlet at the center of the vineyard, creating Palás Cerequio—the first Relais dedicated to Barolo. This hospitality project allows visitors to experience Barolo through its landscape, architecture, and history. The property features eleven suites inspired by both traditional Piedmontese residences and contemporary design. A wine cave holds over 6,000 bottles of Barolo alongside historical documents, while art installations guide guests through the story of the region’s vineyards.

Recent expansions at Palás Cerequio include a Sky Bar overlooking the amphitheater-shaped vineyard, offering guests a direct connection to the landscape while tasting wines from the cru. This approach reflects Michele Chiarlo’s belief that understanding Barolo comes not only from tasting but also from experiencing its place of origin.

Other respected producers such as Roberto Voerzio, Gaja, Vietti, and Damilano also make wines from Cerequio, further cementing its status among Barolo’s top sites. The vineyard is included in UNESCO’s core zone for Vineyard Landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato and was classified as “First Category” by Renato Ratti in his influential 1965 map.

For Michele Chiarlo and his family, each vintage of Barolo Cerequio adds another layer to their understanding of this land. Over thirty vintages, they have traced a path that balances tradition with adaptation to changing conditions. The release of Barolo DOCG Cerequio 2022 stands as both a celebration of this journey and a testament to the enduring character of one of Italy’s great vineyards.