At a glance

Producer

Scarzello Giorgio e Figli

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$110 (750ml)

Tasting profile

Lifted aromas of rose petal, tart cherry, red currant, and hints of licorice, tar, and subtle earthiness. Young, assertive tannins with racy acidity framing flavors of cranberry, dried herbs, and tobacco.

Evolution: Over 2 to 5 years, expect tannins to soften, tar and truffle notes to intensify, and tertiary nuances (leather, dried flower, forest floor) to emerge.

At peak: At peak, the wine offers a seamless meld of fruit, floral, savory, and earthy components, silky tannin texture, and persistent, complex finish.

Structure

Acidity

Elevated, providing freshness and aging potential

Tannins

High, firm and grippy but well integrated; classic for Nebbiolo

Alcohol

13.5-14.5% ABV (typical for Barolo)

Aging potential

Best consumed within 5-7 years from purchase; can develop further complexity in the bottle for several more years, but unlikely to match the longevity of top single-vintage Barolo.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2 to 5

Optimal window

7

Current status

Ready to drink now; this non-vintage blend is crafted for immediate enjoyment but will reward short-term cellaring.

Current condition

Fresh and vibrant, with youthful tannins and primary fruit intensity typical of recently released Barolo. Complex aromatics present, but tertiary development will emerge with 2-3 years of additional aging.

Barolo, even in non-vintage form, is structured and Nebbiolo-based with natural acidity and tannin, providing a 5-7 year window of optimal drinking. NV versions are blended for approachability but still benefit from a few years' aging.

Food pairing

Pair with braised beef, osso buco, truffle pasta, rustic mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, or savory lamb dishes. The classic Barolo structure matches well with rich meats and earthy flavors.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — Decanting softens youthful tannins and allows the complex bouquet to evolve.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Manual vineyard work, limited use of synthetic chemicals, emphasis on local biodiversity; traditional winemaking with low intervention and minimal industrial input.

Scarzello Giorgio e Figli, like many small Barolo producers, employs sustainable and traditional methods that support soil and environmental health (cover crops, reduced systemic spraying, mostly hand harvested). While not formally certified organic or biodynamic, their philosophy values long-term land stewardship. Local bottling and minimal packaging waste also contribute to sustainability, though footprints increase if exported overseas.