Azelia Barolo Margheria 2021

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Castiglione Falletto, in the Langhe region of Piedmont, the Azelia winery was founded by the Scavino family in 1920. The estate covers approximately 16 hectares of vineyards spread across some of the area's most prestigious crus, and the work is primarily done by hand. Nebbiolo accounts for three-quarters of the vineyard, with the remainder planted with Dolcetto and Barbera. Nebbiolo grapes come from a vineyard of just under two hectares located in the Margheria cru, approximately 250-360 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Serralunga d’Alba area. Here, the sixty-year-old vines enjoy south-southwest exposure and are rooted in clayey, tuffaceous marl soils. After harvest, fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and the finished wine ages for 30 months in large barrels. The result is a complex and vibrant wine, with a brilliant garnet color and a broad, intense aromatic profile. On the nose, the wine reveals notes of black fruit interspersed with spicy, earthy hints and a touch of licorice. On the palate, it is dense, full, and round, with firm, well-integrated tannins and a mineral, savory character. The finish is long and warm with balsamic overtones. Try it with fillet steak with mushrooms or braised beef.