Winemaker Notes
#67 Vinous Top 100 of 2025
The "Chioso dei Pomi" vineyard is in the heart of Barragiola, three hectares in size with a south-southwest exposure. The ultimate blend of grapes for the Ghemme is 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina. The grapes are fermented separately in stainless steel cuves and the fermentation extends for a minimum of ten days with frequent "remontage." The malolactic fermentation occurs mostly in barrel. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak casks for the first twelve months and then is racked into smaller five hectoliter barrels for an additional eighteen months. The various parts of the wine are assembled and blended together in the spring of the third year.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2017 Ghemme Chioso dei Pomi is a total knockout. Sweet, beautifully perfumed and engaging, the 2017 is pure seduction. Kirsch, sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint and leather are some of the notes that open with some coaxing. The Chioso dei Pomi is deep and layered, with fabulous balance to match its captivating personality.
Attracting the most glory, prestige and fame to the Piedmont region, Nebbiolo in all of its expressions—Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Ghemme and Gattinara—creates a complex wine, truly unique for its delicate qualities combined with strength and a great potential to improve over time.
But Nebbiolo isn’t all there is to red wine from Piedmont! Barbera is the most planted variety and historically most popular as a dependable, food-friendly, everyday wine.
Beyond these two, a surprising number of red varieties call Piedmont their home. Worth a try include Dolcetto for its bold concentration and aromas of spice cake. Other grapes to investigate include Freisa, Croatina, Brachetto, Grignolino and Pelaverga.