The Barolo region is quite small; spanning a mere 5 miles at its widest point. There are 5 major towns where these greatest Nebbiolo vines are planted: La Morra, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba and Monforte d'Alba. Each has its own distinct terroir and soil type whose complexity is akin to France's famed Burgundy. Bric dël Fiasc is situated in the village of Castiglione Falletto, which is centrally situated amidst the main five villages of Barolo. Thanks to the advantageous locale, the village of Castiglione Falletto offers long-lived wines of structure which moves towards elegance as the wines age. At an altitude of over 850 feet, the southwest facing Bric dël Fiasc boasts some of the most complex terroir around with a mix of Tortonian soil, known for it softer expression and stunning aromatics, and Helvetian soil, which lends intensity and structure to the wine. In 1978, fourth-generation winemaker, Enrico Scavino, had the foresight to convince his father, Paolo, to vinify the grapes from Bric dël Fiasc separately. It was one of the first single vineyard Barolos to be bottled in the appellation and has proven to be a brilliant move on Enrico’s part ever since.
Enrico was a visionary trailblazer from the beginning. He tried several innovations early on; the best practices are still around and the lesser so have been disregarded for a better way of doing things. Once considered to have more of a modern style due to his usage of all new French Barriques over the traditional large, neutral Slavonian botti, Enrico experimented until he found the ultimate sweet spot for Barolo. Although he does initially age his wines in the smaller French Barriques, he finishes the aging process in traditional Slavonian botti, which has created a balanced approach that his Barolo undoubtedly benefits form in the glass. Enrico was also among the first in the area to utilize climate control during fermentation and in his cellar. In the vineyard, he practices serious yield restrictions, adding further concentration to the wine, and is dedicated to maintaining viticulture as his top priority. The result is a wine of strength, finesse, balance and immense beauty that is ready to be enjoyed right now or over the next decade.
This Scavino Bric dël Fiasc has a near opaque dark garnet core quickly moving to orange and amber reflections on the rim, showing signs of this Barolo’s decade of age. The incredibly perfumed nose boasts aromas of cherry liqueur, red currants, dried orange peel and bright red fruits wrapped in notes of wet leather, tar, cardamom and a touch of vanilla. This full-bodied wine is so expansive, it reaches every crevice of the palate as it simultaneously delivers ample tannins that are fine and soft in their strength as a great Barolo should be. This wine is quite forward for Barolo with abundant glycerol and will reach its peak accordingly earlier. Enjoy this wine now or over the next ten years as it is entering its peak this very year. It needs around 30 minutes in a decanter but should be enjoyed over the next 1-2 hours as the delicate aromatics and esters of this beautiful wine could dissipate with too much air. Each bottle is unique and some bottles night need more or less air, so pay attention as the wine breathes. Enjoy at cellar temperature in Burgundy stems and serve with authentic Piedmontese or
try this oxtail ragout recipe and serve over a bed of pappardelle.
