In the early 1970s, he was the first to subject Barbera to malolactic fermentation, which signalled the start of the improvement in the quality of this wine; currently the Barbera d'Asti Michele Chiarlo is a byword for prestige in the 40-odd countries to which it is exported.
Michele Chiarlo's philosophy has always been to pinpoint and acquire only vineyards in areas of the greatest worth: with great patience he has pursued this path.
Fundamental moments in the story of the Michele Chiarlo company were the purchases of the foremost Barolo crus in Langa: the Podere Cerequio at La Morra, in 1988, and the Cannubi vineyard at Barolo, in 1989. The Barolo Cerequio has contributed to the Michele Chiarlo brand name attaining international renown and lustre.
Of enormous prestige was the 1995 purchase of the Aluffi estate in Castelnuovo Calcea, in the Asti part of Monferrato: 30 hectares entirely given over to Barbera, in which the jewel in the crown is represented by Podere La Court, where the outstandingly superb homonymous cru is produced.
Worthy of mention is the acquisition of the Montemareto hill in Castelnuovo Calceo, terroir of highly prized wines.
At present the company owns more than 50 hectares of vineyards, which account for all its most important crus. The technical staff, coordinated by Stefano Chiarlo, guarantees the quality of the production at the other 60 hectares situated in Piedmont 's three production areas: Monferrato, Langa and Gavi.
