Asili, Barbaresco
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Asili is a cru in the commune of Barbaresco, in Piedmont, Italy, with widespread recognition for its terroir and its quality.[1][2] It has ancient roots and has been claimed that the name derives from Latin and is associated with a place of "asylum".[3]
It is 14 hectares in size and located in the centre of the commune, occupying the crest of the Asili hill with vineyards on all sides,[4] with the tiny hamlet of Asili near the crest, southwest of the peak. The vines on the southwestern aspect are particularly well-oriented, lying just to the east of the Borgata Asili.
Asili is located at a modest altitude (200–280m) for Barbaresco, and is accordingly relatively warm. The variety of soil—silt, loam and clay—is thought to be responsible for the wine's finesse.[5] Prominent winemaker Michele Chiarlo has claimed that the richness in magnesium and calcium are significant too.[6] It has recently taken over a neighboring part of Rabajà.[7]
The Bruno Giacosa Asili has been considered a "reference point" for all of Barbaresco in the words of the wine critic Robert Parker.[8]