Scarzello - Barolo Sarmassa Vigna Merenda DOCG 2015

Aromas of ripe cherry, cranberry, dried roses, black tea, and licorice. Powerful and harmonious on the palate, with ripe tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, refined finish. A classic Barolo with great elegance and depth.

Pair with game, roasted pheasant, and slow-cooked ossobuco. Also excellent with pappardelle in a game ragu, risotto with porcini mushrooms, and aged cheeses such as Castelmagno. Serve at 17 °C.

The Scarzello family has deep roots in Barolo. The winery, which has been in the family for generations, is currently led with great passion by Federico and his wife Federica, who continue the traditional way of making Barolo according to a family recipe. The wines of Scarzello are therefore a reflection of Barolo itself. Since 1930, the Scarzello family has remained true to their winemaking methods. The Barolos they produce undergo long maceration and aging in *botte* (large oak casks) and are wines meant for the long term.

The cantina is located in the heart of Barolo and has a small production of approximately 30,000 bottles per year, with all work in the vineyard and the cellar carried out by the family itself.

Although Scarzello does not possess the same name recognition as some of the other big names in Barolo, the wines they produce are highly regarded. Their Barolos can be found on the wine lists of renowned restaurants all over the world. The Sarmassa Vigna Merenda comes from the best part of the vineyard of the same name in Barolo. Scarzello stands for quality; in lesser years, the grapes from the Sarmassa vineyard are incorporated into the Comune di Barolo, ensuring that Sarmassa always guarantees a consistently high quality. In any case, they produce very interesting wines, including a highly accessible Nebbiolo and a complex Barbera that comes from the Paiagallo cru in Barolo and is aged for its final months in amphora after being matured in *botte*.

We feel privileged to be able to offer these wonderful wines in the Netherlands.

Originating from Vigna Merenda, the premier site within the prestigious MGA Sarmassa in Barolo. The limestone and clay-rich soil and the south to southwesterly exposure produce Nebbiolo with power, structure, and exceptional aging potential.

Traditionally vinified with a long maceration of 30–50 days. The wine is then aged for 30 months in large 25 hl Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a long bottle maturation. This classic approach highlights the character of the vineyard.

The 2015 is beautifully ready to drink and now shows lovely tertiary aromas, while its structure and freshness remain excellently preserved. Under proper cellar conditions, the wine will continue to develop for several more years. It will keep well until approximately 2038–2042.