The Clerico family’s winemaking roots in northern Piedmont go back to the 1700s, and when the Lessona growing zone was “officially” recognized as a DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) in 1976, Massimo Clerico’s father, Sandrino, was one of the first growers to use the designation. As with all the appellations of northern Piedmont, Lessona is quite small, with only about 23 hectares of vineyards registered under the DOC. The Clericos farm only about two hectares within Lessona proper—making them the 3rd largest landholders in the appellation!
Yet while the appellation name may be more geographically broad, “Ca’ du Leria” is very specific: It’s a steep-sloping single vineyard, “Vigna Leria,” situated right next to the Clerico family home. As with most vineyards in the Lessona region, it sits on what was once a seabed, in soils of ancient marine sand; in addition to Nebbiolo, which comprises 50% of this wine, the site is planted to the other local red varieties Croatina (30%) and Vespolina (20%). Both the latter are kindred-spirit varieties to Nebbiolo, heightening the spice/earth/floral qualities of the resulting wine.
Why You'll Love It:
-Excellent 2020 vintage, marked by classic finesse, haunting aromatics, and pinpoint definition
-Pale, garnet-tinged ruby, scents of wild strawberry, cherry, orange zest, rose petal, tobacco, and damp forest floor—It's a walk through northern Italy’s woodlands at dusk
-Medium-bodied and silky, this is Nebbiolo with its collar relaxed: earthy, woodsy, yet full of tension and minerality
How To Enjoy It:
- Serve cool—60° or below in Burgundy bowls
-Enjoy with roasted poultry, pork, or grilled salmon
-Make this your end of year 'house wine' and thank us later!
