Producer

Paolo Scavino

I have reviewed two wines from Paolo Scavino, from the 2016 to 2017 vintages, all from Barolo. All are Nebbiolo. Scores range from 95 to 97, averaging 96; the highest is the 2017 Paolo Scavino “Bric dël Fiasc” Barolo (97 points).

Paolo Scavino is a historic estate in Castiglione Falletto that played a pivotal role in Barolo’s modernist revolution. Enrico Scavino was among the first to introduce roto-fermenters and French barrique to soften Nebbiolo’s tannins. Today the style has evolved into an integration of modern and traditional techniques under Enrico’s daughters, Enrica and Elisa, and the estate bottles single vineyards from top sites such as Bric dël Fiasc, Cannubi and Monvigliero.

Bric dël Fiasc is a piece of living history. First produced in 1978, it was one of the very first single-vineyard Barolos and remains the soul of the estate. The vineyard sits in the centre of the zone, combining the limestone elegance of the west with the sandstone structure of the east. The warm, dry 2017 softened its typically ferocious tannins, giving a generous, balsamic wine that is still serious and firm.

The classic Barolo, blended from seven crus across the appellation, is a panoramic view of each vintage: in 2016, rose petals, cedar and sandalwood, bright strawberry and cherry, floral and precise.