2018 Ca Rome 'Chiaramanti' Barbaresco
100% Nebbiolo from the Chiaramanti vineyard in Barbaresco in the Rio Sordo cru planted in 1978. The soil is rich in calcareous clay and magnesium, manganese and zinc, made of very fine particles that form a silty marl. Ripe fruit with soft approachable tannins backed with cherry, spice, and cedar. It is drinking well right now and will reward another 2 to 3 years in the cellar.
James Suckling
A tight but complex nose of mixed berries with sweet, creamy spice and turkish delight. Some herbs in the mix, too, even a hint of wild onion. Medium-to full-bodied with a dense, silky palate that’s full of flavor. Balanced and even, with a lightly firm, spice-coated tannin frame. The finish is a little firm for now, but this will be super long and luxuriant in a few years’ time, when everything has come together. Super. Delicious to taste now, but drink from 2024
Decanter
More muscular in character than the estate's Rio Sordo, this has a spicy, dusty nose with berry fruits and herbal overtones. Prominent, chocolatey tannins are balanced by piercing acidity, filled out with ripe red and black fruits, damp earth, fresh tobacco and spicy cedar. Matured for 20 months in 2,500L Slavonian oak, with a small portion in barrique (Drink between 2021-2030)
Wine Advocate
Romano Marengo's Ca’ Rome’ 2018 Barbaresco Chiaramanti reveals a textured and soft approach with some ripe fruit and blackberry backed by spice and tarry smoke. The thick fiber of this mid-weight wine cedes to integrated tannins and rich fruit concentration. - Monica Larner
Vinous
The 2018 Barbaresco Chiaramanti is a soft, fruity wine to drink now and over the next decade. Succulent red cherry, red plum, cedar, spice and rose petal all meld together as this sensual inviting Barbaresco reveals its charms. All the elements are so nicely balanced. -- Antonio Galloni
Wine Spectator
A dense, tightly wound style, with burly tannins underlying cherry, plum, earth and eucalyptus flavors. Balanced on the tannic side, with a lightly astringent finish. Best from 2024 through 2036.