Barolo DOCG Artist Label Bartolo Mascarello 2012

Lot presentation

Barolo DOCG Artist Label Bartolo Mascarello 2012

The wine

A leader amongst the superb vineyards in Piedmont, and indeed Italy as a whole, which boasts illustrious appellations such as Barolo and, one grade above, Barolo DOCG. Domain Bartolo Mascarello, an iconic figure of the region, is now managed by the owner’s daughter Maria Teresa Mascarello. This Barolo DOCG Artist Label produced by the domain is made from Nebbiolo grapes, noble to the region, that are carefully grown and vinified traditionally. Traditional vinification takes place in large cement vats, followed by almost three years' of maturation in large oak barrels - 32 months to be precise. Perfect for long cellaring, this wine is wonderfully elegant with a striking ruby-red colour and notes of red fruits, Morello cherries, sweet spices, precious wood and dried flowers. The texture is fine, with delicate tannins and a fantastic natural minerality, giving it length and verticality, with the potential for long cellaring. Its strong character means it pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as grilled meats.

The Barolos of Bartolo Mascarello are loved and revered the world over?–?a true icon of Italy’s Piedmont since 1918, long before Bartolo himself arrived on the scene. Today, his daughter Maria Teresa Mascarello runs the five-hectare estate with remarkable skill and precision. Highly coveted by collectors and connoisseurs, these fine wines are extremely hard to come by, so if you happen to find a bottle, don’t hesitate for a second!
The Bartolo Mascarello expressive, delicate wines stem from outstanding vines, with all parcels used for the blend located within the commune of Barolo. One particular hallmark of the estate is that it does not blend the parcels after vinification, as is customary, but rather during a single fermentation. Additionally, Bartolo Mascarello was a steadfast advocate of expressing different parcels and terroirs in a blend, resisting the more modern trend towards single-cru, barrique-aged Barolo. Vinification remains firmly traditional, with ageing taking place in foudres (large wooden tuns), which impart no overt oak character but instead lend finesse which highlights the wine’s pure, radiant fruit.
Often compared to Giuseppe Rinaldi, Bartolo Mascarello ranks among Italy’s most universally admired producers, Italian gems that have earned this wine-producing nation its reputation. A veritable uncut diamond, unwavering in its devotion to tradition.