The Scarzello family had been tending vines for many generations before they launched their own label in 1978. The dynamic and dashing Federico who holds a degree from the prestigious Scuola Enologica di Alba, took over in 1998 and, believe it or not, works in concert with both his wife and mother! This is his crown jewel from the prestigious Vigna Merenda in the heart of the Sarmassa Cru which he releases only in exceptional vintages. He vinifies his four micro-parcels, each with its unique exposure and soils, separately via spontaneous fermentation with long macerations of up to 50 days followed by aging in 25hl Slavonian oak casks. After a year, the parcels are blended and, if deemed high enough quality, aged an additional 18 months in cask and 2-3 years in bottle prior to release. Aromas and flavors of red and black fruit combine with rose, eucalyptus, leather and earth notes in this light-bodied, chiseled red with a long, firm tannic finish. Pairs perfectly with a Porchetta Pork Roast with rosemary, garlic and fennel or Porcini and Truffle Risotto. Fewer than 420 cases produced, this is a special wine that can easily age for decades.