Domenico Clerico

Domenico Clerico frequently reminisced about the extreme poverty he and his family endured in the 1960s, including the struggles with hunger that marked his childhood. Initially, he was hesitant to take over his father’s farm, as he was making more money from trading olive oil. However, his outlook shifted dramatically when he encountered the "modernists" of the time—Elio Altare, Enrico Scavino, Giorgio Rivetti, Marco Parusso, and Angelo Gaja—who had returned from abroad with innovative ideas. Inspired by these pioneers, Clerico decided to embrace the modernist approach and became one of the most radical and influential figures in Piedmont's wine scene.

In 1976, Clerico took a significant step by inheriting two hectares of vines and an equal area of peach trees from his father. He formally requested his father's support to fully transition into viticulture. In the document formalizing the takeover, he reflected on the land's latent value, noting, "...the land on which we live has a value that we have not yet fully understood..." This sentiment encapsulated Clerico’s visionary perspective on his vineyards.

True to his innovative spirit, Clerico was among the first to implement cutting-edge cellar technology, including Roto-fermenters—devices that enhance fermentation by agitating the contents of fermentation tanks. This modern equipment contributed to the distinct characteristics of his wines, making them darker, with softer and silkier tannins, and allowing for faster fermentation. This technological edge meant that his wines were available for sale sooner, giving him a competitive advantage at the time.

Despite facing a significant health challenge—a brain tumor that required surgery—Clerico remained undeterred. Once he had recovered, he embarked on a major project to build a state-of-the-art winery, a million-dollar investment in modern winemaking infrastructure. Yet, he remained deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of his vineyard, personally tending to and cultivating his vines.

Over time, Clerico expanded his vineyard holdings to approximately 21 hectares, concentrating on some of the most prestigious Barolo locations, such as Bussia, Ginestra, Pajana, and Mosconi. His dedication to quality is evident in his flagship wines. The "Percristina" Barolo is named in memory of his daughter who passed away young, while the "Ciabot Mentin" pays tribute to the former owner of the Ginestra vineyard. Additionally, the "Aeroplanservaj" Barolo is named after the playful nickname "Wild Airplane" that his father used for him. Clerico’s wines are not only known for their excellence but also for their unique and artistic labels. He collaborated with a Florentine artist to design distinctive labels for each bottle in his limited-edition wooden boxes, which have become highly sought after by collectors.

Top Domenico Clerico vintages are: 1996, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019.

Year Founded: 1976

Owner: Giuliana Clerico

Annual production: approx. 110,000 bottles

Vineyard: approx. 21 hectares