Brett happens

Founded in the 1940s, Scarzello Giorgio et Filigo is a low-profile Barolo estate with a mere 5.5 hectares of vines, nearly half of which are in Sarmassa between the better-known Cannubi and Cerequio vineyards. Founder Giorgio replanted the Scarzello vineyards in the late 1990s. After completing his studies at the Scuola Enologica in Alba and the University of Turin, son Federico took the reins in 2001 and immediately began making improvements, all while remaining in the traditionalist camp. Four wines are made: a Langhe Nebbiolo, a Barbera d’Alba and two Barolos. The wines are released when Federico feels they’re ready, which is often later than his peers.

Langhe Nebbiolo 2015, Scarzello ($29.90, 13679403)
100% Nebbiolo from vines averaging 10 to 15 years old in the calcareous and clayey soil of a 0.5 ha plot in the Sarmassa vineyard. Manually harvested. Macerated about two weeks. Fermented with indigenous yeasts. Matured 12 months in 250-litre Slavonian oak botti (some but not many new, I’d guess) and another 12 months in the bottle. Reducing sugar: 1.5 g/l. 14% ABV. Quebec agent: Agence du Château.
Appealing nose – red fruit (plum?), herbs and a touch of sandalwood spice – tending more to the floral end of the rose-tar spectrum. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied but medium weight and very dry. The ripe, even juicy fruit has unmistakable cherry overtones and is deepened and darkened by earthy minerals. The texture is silky until the mid-palate, when the tannins kick in, turning it raw silky. The acidity is freshening and seamlessly integrated, bright but not sharp. The alcohol is felt more as power than heat. Finishes long and aromatic, with a light though marked astringency that will surely soften with a year or two in the bottle. Which is not to say the wine isn’t drinking well now, especially at table. A pure expression of Nebbiolo, richer and more structured than Produttori di Barbaresco’s benchmark bottling (the difference between a “Barolo” Langhe and a “Barbaresco” Langhe?), justifying the higher price. (Buy again? Absolutely.)

The SAQ has also just released the estate’s 2012 Barolo del Commune di Barolo ($65.00, 13679391). Based on the quality of the Langhe Nebbiolo, I’d say it’s worth a shot. Both wines are available in limited quantities: most stores stocking them received only 12 bottles of each. If you’re interested (and you should be), act fast.

And finally a side note: As you may have noticed, things have been quiet around here for a while. Faced with a crushing workload, not having the time or energy to devote the 10 to 20 hours a week required to organize twice-monthly tastings and group orders and deeply feeling the need to take a break from most thing vinous, I’ve put the Mo’ Wine Group on hold for a few months. So, while I’ve not abandoned Brett happens, posts will be infrequent, probably until the fall. Enjoy the summer!