Simone Scaletta Bussia Barolo 2017

Simone Scaletta is a rising star in the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy, known for producing wines that reflect the rich tradition and terroir of the area while showcasing his meticulous, hands-on approach. Based in Monforte d'Alba, Scaletta focuses on crafting Barolos that express the complexity and structure typical of the Nebbiolo grape. His Bussia Barolo comes from one of the region's most prestigious crus, known for its powerful, long-lived wines. The 2017 vintage, while a warm year, has resulted in a Barolo that is both generous and structured, with notable elegance and depth.

The Bussia vineyard, located in Monforte d'Alba, is renowned for its calcareous clay soils and excellent sun exposure, producing wines with pronounced tannins and intense flavours. Simone Scaletta employs traditional winemaking techniques, with long maceration periods and ageing in large oak casks, allowing the wine to develop its full potential while retaining a sense of place.

Appearance: Deep garnet with brick hues at the rim, showing signs of early maturation but with a rich core of colour.

Aroma: The nose is complex and layered, with aromas of ripe cherries, red currants, and dried roses, alongside more savoury notes of leather, tobacco, and truffle. Hints of cedar and spice emerge as the wine opens, adding further depth.

Taste: Full-bodied with firm, structured tannins. Flavours of dark cherry, plum, and dried cranberry are complemented by earthy tones of forest floor, dried herbs, and licorice. The oak ageing has imparted subtle vanilla and spice notes, but the wine remains focused on its pure Nebbiolo character, with vibrant acidity balancing the richness.

Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of dried fruit, tobacco, and a touch of savoury spice. The tannins are firm but fine, promising excellent ageing potential.

Food Pairing: Simone Scaletta Bussia Barolo 2017 pairs perfectly with hearty, rich dishes. A classic pairing would be braised beef short ribs, where the wine’s robust tannins and earthy notes enhance the depth and richness of the meat, while its acidity cuts through the dish’s fattiness. Another excellent match is wild mushroom tagliatelle, where the wine’s savoury and earthy qualities complement the mushrooms, and its structured tannins balance the dish’s creamy texture, creating a harmonious and satisfying pairing.