Paolo Scavino — The Refined Precision of Great Barolo

Paolo Scavino is one of the most respected historic estates of Barolo. Founded in 1921 in Castiglione Falletto, the property has deeply shaped the modern history of Nebbiolo through its parcel-based approach, its pursuit of balance and its ability to reveal the personality of Piedmont’s great crus.

Long guided by Enrico Scavino, a major figure in contemporary Barolo, the estate is now led by Enrica and Elisa Scavino, the fourth family generation. Their work continues a demanding vision: finely drawn, floral and composed wines, where the natural structure of Nebbiolo is expressed with finesse, energy and a clear reading of terroir.

History: a family estate in Castiglione Falletto

The estate was founded in 1921 by Lorenzo Scavino and his son Paolo, whose name the property still bears. Based in Castiglione Falletto, at the heart of the Barolo appellation, the family gradually developed a vineyard heritage spread across several major communes of the zone.

Enrico Scavino later played a decisive role in the modern recognition of the estate. He belongs to the generation that refined vinification, better understood the crus and gave Barolo a clearer, more readable expression, without renouncing structure or ageing capacity.

Today, Enrica and Elisa Scavino continue this family trajectory with particular attention to terroirs, ripeness and ageing balance. The estate thus preserves its identity: an alliance of Piedmontese tradition, contemporary precision and nuanced expression of Nebbiolo.

Terroir: a mosaic of great Barolo crus

Paolo Scavino farms around 30 hectares within the Barolo DOCG area, spread across several emblematic communes including Castiglione Falletto, Barolo, La Morra, Serralunga d’Alba, Novello, Verduno, Monforte d’Alba and Roddi. This diversity allows the estate to work with a wide range of soils, exposures and Nebbiolo profiles.

Among the major crus, Bric dël Fiasc, in Castiglione Falletto, holds a historic place in the estate’s identity. Cannubi expresses a more classical nobility, Ravera brings a straight structure and depth, while Monvigliero offers a more floral and slender expression.

The Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva cuvée, from La Morra, embodies a particularly refined reading of Nebbiolo: perfume, fine tannins, length and great aromatic complexity. This richness of crus gives the estate a rare palette for crafting Barolo wines that are both distinctive and complementary.

Viticulture and vinification: parcels, selection and carefully adjusted ageing

The estate works with a demanding parcel-based approach, attentive to Nebbiolo ripeness, grape quality and the personality of each cru. Harvesting is manual, with rigorous selection in order to preserve only the lots capable of expressing the finesse and poise sought by the domaine.

In the cellar, vinification aims for clean expression and controlled extraction. Ageing combines large vessels with carefully measured oak use, supporting the natural structure of Nebbiolo without masking its perfume or the identity of each cru. The current style favours balance, tactile precision and aromatic transparency.

Wine style

Paolo Scavino Barolo wines stand out for their floral brightness, clean fruit and finely drawn tannins. They combine cherry, sour cherry, dried rose, violet, liquorice, sweet spices, tobacco, balsamic notes and a tannic frame that is both firm and polished.

The estate succeeds in combining the natural strength of Barolo’s great terroirs with a sense of finesse and length. The more structured crus gain relief with time, while the more floral cuvées offer a more delicate reading of Nebbiolo, without ever losing the tension typical of the appellation.

Emblematic cuvées

Ageing and gastronomic pairings

The great Barolo wines of Paolo Scavino can evolve for 15 to 30 years depending on the cru and vintage, sometimes longer in the most successful years. With time, they develop notes of faded rose, black tea, noble tar, fine leather, truffle, patinated red fruits and sweet spices.

At the table, Scavino Barolo wines pair beautifully with tajarin with truffles, mushroom risotto, veal, lamb, braised beef, game, slow-cooked dishes, mature cheeses and traditional Piedmontese cuisine. The more accessible cuvées work well with pasta, fine charcuterie, roast poultry, grilled meats and characterful Italian dishes.