2020 Azelia - Barolo (750ml)

Azelia is a family run estate based in Castiglione Falletto, led by Luigi Scavino and his son Lorenzo, who together have built a reputation as one of the most refined producers in Barolo. The winery struck an unusual balance early on, embracing modern techniques while never losing sight of Piedmont tradition, and today its wines undergo lengthy macerations and age exclusively in large casks rather than small barrique. Once associated with Barolo's modernist movement of the 1990s, Azelia has since earned recognition from critics and sommeliers alike for wines that express their sites with real purity and elegance.

This Barolo is a blend drawn from seven different vineyard sites across the villages of Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d'Alba, including Cerretta, Bricco Voghera, Altenasso, Solanotto, San Rocco, Cerrati, and Broglio. The wine ferments with indigenous yeasts before undergoing an extended maceration, allowing the fruit from each site to fully express itself before blending. This approach lets Azelia capture a broader, more layered picture of the appellation's terroir than any single vineyard could offer on its own.

The wine shows a savory character, with aromas of dark fruit, scorched earth, and campfire ash layered over pretty floral top notes. On the palate it turns lean and fresh, carrying a touch of firm tannin alongside the tart, vivid acidity typical of Nebbiolo. It suits savory, earthy dishes especially well, from braised meats to mushroom based pastas or aged cheeses.