Friday, April 24, 2009

Azelia Dolcetto d'Alba "Bricco Oriolo" (2006) Piemonte


A knock-out Italian red from Azelia, a small Piemontese winery owned by Luigi Scavino, cousin of Enrico Scavino; legendary owner-winemaker of Paolo Scavino, whose exceptional wines have been winning awards for years. The two cousins share the same rigorous principles when it comes to viticulture and grape selection. Both limit grape production and in difficult vintages, the whole lot may be subject to declassification to non-cru Barolo or Nebbiolo. In addition to an outstanding Barolo, Nebbiolo, and Barbera, Azelia offers more. They own 2.5 hectares of vineyards in the township of Montelupo, long famous for its Dolcetto. From this Luigi produces his stunning Dolcetto d'Alba "Bricco Oriolo", one of the most impressive Dolcetto’s I have ever tasted. The 2006 has a beautiful deep purple (uh uh uh - uh uh uh uh - uh uh uh – uh uhhhhh) color and a fruity, plummy, blueberryish nose. 100% Dolcetto. Both cool and warm on the palate. Nice soft, velvety finish. Unoaked.

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