2017 Azelia, Barolo, Bricco Fiasco

A product of 85-plus-year-old vines in Castiglione Falletto, the Azelia 2017 Barolo Bricco Fiasco is subdued and delicate, with linear fruit of wild plum and blackberry, plus hints of blue flower and pressed violet. The age of the vines and the depth of the root system in the loose soils of this site have helped to maintain balance and freshness during the hottest moments of this vintage. Indeed, this wine is more immediately silky in texture compared to Azelia's wines from Serralunga d'Alba (like the Barolo Margheria also reviewed in this report). This release of 5,600 bottles presents a nice opportunity to try your hand at a delicate rabbit ravioli for a very special occasion a few years from now.

The 2017 Barolo Bricco Fiasco is bright and effusive from the very first taste. Crushed flowers, red berry fruit, orange peel, spice and mint all grace this nervy, mid-weight Barolo. Medium in body and translucent, the 2017 has quite a bit to offer. It is an especially savory, linear Barolo.