Scarpa "Rouchet" Monferrato Rosso 2016 Piemonte - Italy

Jancis Robinson
"Lustrous mid ruby. Firm, spicy nose with lift. Cherry fruit with a hint of rose petal. The whole is well integrated on the nose. Smokey and inky hints. Succulent red fruit palate and just a suggestion of rose petals. Gorgeous, vibrant acidity and long, sandy tannins on the finish. Long and balanced, but seems much less aromatic than its peers. 17+/20 points. (WS)"

Scarpa has been producing traditional wines in the Monferrato hills of southeast Piemonte since 1854. But it was Mario Pesce, admired by both Giacosa and Gaja, who made Scarpa’s reputation in the second half of the 20th century. Traditional sometimes means ‘rustic’, but that’s not the case here. A very present gusto della casa (house style) produces elegant wines with arrow-like acidity and well-aged tannins. In the 21st century, Scarpa continues to produce each year small quantities of more than a dozen wines from 10 different grape varieties and to release gradually wines from its ample library of bottles going back to the 1960s. Vineyard: Poderi Bricchi is Scarpa’s 50-hectare estate vineyard area in Castel Rocchero, in the heart of the Monferrato