Bartolo Mascarello, Barolo

 

Located in the charming Barolo comune, home to just 600 residents, the Bartolo Mascarello estate is now overseen by Maria Teresa. Spanning 5 hectares, the estate produces approximately 35,000 bottles in exceptional vintages, highlighting a diverse selection of wines that includes Freisa, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and Barolo. A distinctive feature of their winemaking is the co-fermentation of all Nebbiolo, which creates a nuanced blend of flavors drawn from five unique vineyards:

  1. San Lorenzo - Recognized for its rich silt and clay soil, San Lorenzo supports both Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes, which were replanted in 2015 and reintegrated into the Barolo blend in 2020.
  2. Rué - This vineyard benefits from sandy soil and an eastern exposure, producing noteworthy Nebbiolo and Dolcetto.
  3. Cannubi - Celebrated for its excellent drainage, Cannubi is entirely dedicated to Nebbiolo and is a standout among the estate’s offerings.
  4. Monrobiolo di Bussia - Characterized by a warmer microclimate and rich silt soil, this vineyard is well-suited for Dolcetto, Freisa, and Nebbiolo.
  5. Rocche delle Annunziata - Positioned on the eastern slope of La Morra, the balanced soils here allow for high-quality Nebbiolo cultivation.

Central to their wine production is a dedication to traditional methods, including fermentation in concrete tanks and Slovenia tanks for Barolo, along with gentle grape handling through soft pressing. Each vintage brings its own character, with maceration for Barolo lasting from 14 to 60 days, reflecting the distinct qualities of each year. Maturation is carefully handled, with Freisa and Dolcetto aged for 9 months, Barbera and Nebbiolo for 28 months, and Barolo for at least 4 years, utilizing special barrels from Garbellotto designed to maintain the wines' intrinsic qualities without imparting new oak flavors.

Adding a personal touch, the estate's labels feature hand-drawn designs by Bartolo himself from his later years, serving as a heartfelt tribute to his legacy and passion for winemaking. This artistic lineage continues today, with reproduction of his designs adorning all new releases, ensuring the spirit of Bartolo Mascarello lives on in every bottle.