Azelia Barolo Bricco Fiasco 2017

Azelia Barolo Bricco Fiasco 2017

 

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Azelia
Barolo Bricco Fiasco 2017
  • Vintage : 2017
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Piedmont (Barolo DOCG)
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Nebbiolo

Azelia Barolo Bricco Fiasco is a standout single-vineyard Barolo, showcasing the heritage and finesse of Castiglione Falletto through a wine of exceptional harmony, complexity, and longevity.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 96 2017
RP Robert Parker 94 2017
JD Jeb Dunnuck 92 2017
WE Wine Enthusiast 92 2017
W&S Wines & Spirits 92 2017
WS Wine Spectator 90 2017
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Bricco Fiasco vineyard is located in the esteemed commune of Castiglione Falletto, one of the central villages in the Barolo region. This historic cru, the first to be vinified separately by Azelia since 1978, sits at the top of a steep and warm hill at an altitude of 285 meters above sea level.

The vineyard covers 1.5 hectares with an ideal southern exposure, allowing the Nebbiolo grapes to achieve full ripeness and express the richness of the terroir. The white calcareous soils, typical of Castiglione Falletto, impart structure, elegance, and longevity to the wine, balancing power with finesse.

The 85-year-old vines are cultivated using the Guyot training system, with a density of 4,400 vines per hectare. These old vines produce small yields of concentrated and characterful fruit, contributing to the depth and complexity of the final wine.

Winemaking

The 100% Nebbiolo grapes from Bricco Fiasco undergo a long and traditional vinification process to extract the full potential of this unique site.

Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts and lasts for approximately 55 to 60 days, using the submerged cap method at a temperature of 31°C. This classic technique, often associated with Barolo, ensures gentle yet prolonged extraction of color, tannins, and aromas.

The wine is then aged for 24 months in wood, allowing it to develop complexity, refine its tannins, and integrate its structure with the rich fruit profile. The meticulous aging process respects the integrity of the terroir while enhancing the wine’s depth and elegance.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Intense garnet red with brilliant highlights.
  • Aroma: The nose is floral and perfumed, with notes of rose petals and violet, intertwined with a core of red fruit, including raspberry and cherry. Subtle hints of spice and earth add further complexity.
  • Palate: Rich and enveloping, the wine displays a warm and balanced structure, with finely grained tannins and remarkable freshness. The flavors echo the red fruit and floral notes, complemented by a mineral tension and a long, persistent finish that showcases the elegance of Castiglione Falletto.

Did You Know?

The Bricco Fiasco vineyard is a source of great pride for the Azelia family. As the first cru to be vinified separately in 1978, it represents a cornerstone of their history. The vines, averaging 85 years of age, are a living testament to the longevity and resilience of the Nebbiolo grape.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Osso Buco à la milanaise : La richesse de la viande braisée et la gremolata aux herbes équilibrent parfaitement la structure tannique et les arômes floraux du vin.
  • Risotto aux truffes blanches : Les notes terreuses des truffes subliment la finesse et la minéralité du Barolo.
  • Tagliatelles aux cèpes : L’umami des champignons s’accorde harmonieusement avec les saveurs fruitées et épicées du vin.
  • Fromage Parmigiano Reggiano vieilli : Le caractère salé et la texture cristalline du fromage équilibrent la structure et l’élégance du vin.

James Suckling (JS) : 96 Points (2017)
A firm, fine-grained red with plum, mahogany, iron and bark on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with a dusty texture from the tannins. Flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but a beautiful young Barolo. Try after 2024.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2017)
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.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 92 Points (2017)
The 2017 Barolo Bricco Fiasco has ripe aromatics of red plum, baking spice, rose petal, and cedar. The palate is fuller in body, with juicy black cherry, cola, and balsamic as well as ripe tannins. Of the Azelia 2017s, this is a touch more open-knit and approachable for an ever-so-slightly earlier drinking option.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 92 Points (2017)
Dried berry, pressed rose, star anise and botanical herb aromas slowly take shape in the glass. Elegant and austere, the firm palate features tart cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco alongside tightly knit, refined tannins that leave an assertive finish. It definitely needs more time to fully unwind and develop. Drink 2027–2032

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 92 Points (2017)
Vines averaging 85 years of age gave a deeply concentrated wine, its black-cherry and raspberry flavors packed with notes of menthol and warm spice. Powerful tannins keep the flavors aligned as those spice notes linger on the finish.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 90 Points (2017)
This savory red offers a mix of muddled plum, licorice, tar, leather and earth aromas and flavors. Firm, yet ripe tannins lend support. Overall this is balanced and long.

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