This is the first in our series of blog posts highlighting some of the wine producers who grace the pages of ourAward Winning wine list. With each, we will tell a brief history of each producer, showcase the wines that we offer on our list from that producer and offer a pairing that would fit well with our menu. Today, we visit Paolo Scavino, a producer in the Piedemonte region of Northern Italy.
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Although he is known more of a “genie” for his work with Barolo, Enrico Scavino has been known to make some superior wines that lesser skilled producers would walk away from. His Barolos are what he and his grandfather Paolo Scavino are known for, like any good chef, give him some lesser ingredients, and he’ll create a masterpiece. This is what we’ve taken from Piedmonte Wine Producer Paolo Scavino. We’ve chosen two wines from their 2008 vintages: The Lange Bianco and the Dolcetto d’Alba DOC “Paitin,” for this reason. These are remarkable wines that tell the true character of Paolo Scavino.
I imagine Enriqe’s grandfather Paolo envisioned his winery to one day take on the characteristics of the Barolo townships of Piedmonte. There’s romance in the dense, wet fog that tickles the vines and floats over the villages near The Scavino estate, which is is located in the “terroir” crossroads of the Barolo DOCG, in Catiglione Falleto – some of the most fabled territory in all of Italian Wine.
Although Scavino is rich with history, they’re not afraid to innovate. They’re known throughout the region for their attention to innovation – often noted as one of the most technologically advanced wine producers. The secret, they say, is in the old vines. Older vines, although producing fewer bunches of fruit, produce smaller grapes of higher quality. Attention to the vines coupled with modern techniques bring us the superiority that we enjoy today.
Here are the two Paolo Scavino Wines that we reserve at Cafe di Scala:
Lange Bianco IGT- Paolo Scavino – 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Viogner and Chardonnay
Impressions: The wine has the structure of Chardonnay, fermented in steel tanks and then the finishing takes place in oak barrels. Also had striking acidity / grapefruit characteristics of a very fresh Sauvignon Blanc with the sharpness and ripe fruit of a Viogner. Showing fine, elegant, complex, ripe fruits, wild flowers and toasted hazelnuts on the nose. The palate is dry, fresh, quite soft, full-bodied and very intense and persistent, with pleasant apricot flavors on the finish. Pairing: Try a bottle of this wine with our Mitili con Crema, our steamed blue mussels with white wine and shallot cream sauce.
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC “Paitin” –Paolo Scavino – 2008
Impressions: Dolcetto is one of the most common grapes from Italy’s Piedmont region. Its name “Dolcetto” or “little sweet one” refers to the sweetness of the grape, and while the wine can be fruity, it is not sweet. Dolcetto has moderate acidity and tannins and is generally made in an approachable style that highlights the grape’s natural fruitiness which recalls blackberry and plum. Pairing: Try a bottle of this wine pared with the Mailae, or Iowa Farm Families pork chop.
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For a complete list of wines on our Award Winning wine list, visit the Cafe di Scala wine page.
Tags: Des Moines Restaurant, Paolo Scavino, Produtture di Vino, Wine