Name: Azelia Barolo Bricco Fiasco 2017 750ml
Brand: Azelia
SKU: 928202
Price: 84.49 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 93 (7 reviews)

Winery

Azelia

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Varietal

Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.

Country

Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region

Piedmont

Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.

Appellation

Barolo

Barolo’s star grape is Nebbiolo, a finicky yet expressive variety that reaches its zenith this unique terroir. The region’s distinct microclimates and soils contribute to Nebbiolo’s complexity, resulting in wines with robust tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo wines, often referred to as “the king of wines,” are characterized by their deep garnet hue and complex bouquet, offering aromas of roses, tar, truffles, and red fruit. The aging process is significant, requiring at least 38 months, with a minimum of 18 months spent in wooden casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in wines that evolve beautifully over time, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. For wine enthusiasts, exploring Barolo provides a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking, showcasing the profound marriage of tradition, terroir, and Nebbiolo’s distinctive expression.

JS 96pts

James Suckling

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.

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

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.

DC 94pts

Decanter

Located in Castiglione Falletto, Bricco Fiasco is a vineyard of old vines (85 years old) considered to be the historical selection of the estate. Fermented with indigenous yeasts for approximately 60 days with a submerged cap, it's then aged in large oak vessels for 24 months. Intense ruby in colour, it is restrained but full of layers, dominated by a bouquet of rose and violet, with fruit ranging between cranberry and dried cherry, followed by leather and earthy tones. Sucrose, fleshy and pure on the full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. The floral character is intoxicating, while the extraction is so great on the mid-palate and chalky on the finish.

VM 93pts

Vinous Media

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.

WE 92pts

Wine Enthusiast

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.

JD 92pts

Jeb Dunnuck

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. Drink 2024-2036.

WS 90pts

Wine Spectator

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. Best from 2024 through 2037. 480 cases made, 315 cases imported.

Winery Notes

Bricco Fiasco shows perfectly the radiant personality of Castiglione. Extremely perfumed, floral, with a core of red fruit. Rich, warm, intensely fresh. Ripe tannins.

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