Simone Scaletta Barolo DOCG Chirlet ‘Bricco San Pietro’ 2017

Simone Scaletta Barolo DOCG Chirlet ‘Bricco San Pietro’ 2017 is a single-cru Nebbiolo from Monforte d’Alba, drawn from the Bricco San Pietro vineyard. Simone Scaletta is a small, quality-driven grower who favours careful, manual work in the vineyard and a gentle, traditional approach in the cellar, giving Barolo with purity of fruit, fine tannins and a clear sense of place.

Appearance:

Medium to deep garnet with a translucent core and brick-orange rim, showing some development while retaining lively colour. The tears are slow and fine, hinting at good extract and moderate alcohol.

Aroma:

Expressive and classical: sour cherry, dried strawberry and redcurrant lead, followed by rose petals, violets and a lifted, almost herbal note. Underneath sit more mature tones of leather, dried orange peel and tobacco, with hints of liquorice, tar, cedar and sweet spices from large, seasoned oak. A subtle earthy, truffle edge emerges with air.

Taste:

Dry, firmly structured and precise. Bright red cherry and raspberry are framed by high, refreshing acidity and characteristic Nebbiolo tannins—fine but assertive, with a chalky, gripping texture. Notes of blood orange, balsamic herbs, tobacco leaf and subtle tar unfold across the mid-palate, supported by discreet oak and savoury complexity. The overall impression is elegant rather than heavy, with good tension and focus.

Finish:

Long and persistent, driven by tangy red fruit, citrus peel and savoury notes of leather, spice and dried flowers. The tannins remain present but refined, tapering into a slightly saline, mineral echo that invites another sip. The 2017 warmth is felt in a touch of sweetness to the fruit, balanced by freshness and grip.

Food Pairing:

A superb match for classic Piemontese dishes such as tajarin with ragù, braised beef (brasato al Barolo) or veal shank. Excellent with slow-cooked lamb shoulder, game birds, or porcini and truffle risotto. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Pecorino, where the wine’s tannin and acidity cut through richness while its floral, savoury complexity shines.