Date of visit: June 11, 2024
Our first visit to kick off our 2024 trip to Langhe was at Bartolo Mascarello. A place which is very near and dear to our hearts. Not only are these wines some of our favorites year after year, but the estate also represents an integral part of Barolo history. For more information about what in our opinion is one of the greatest producers of all time, please refer back to our previous visits here: 2023, October 2022, June 2022, as well as Polaner Selections page, and The Rare Wine Co..
Tasting notes:
2021 Langhe Nebbiolo: Emanuele Jorio, who is an encyclopedia on all things Barolo and Barbaresco, especially the wines of Bartolo Mascarello, was gracious enough to host us that day. He explained that their Langhe Nebbiolo is made from purchased grapes which come from the same family and the same plot in Barbaresco for the last 20 years. The reason for this is up until 1980 Bartolo would swap grapes with this family, and he would bottle some Barbaresco. However, due to DOCG rules this is no longer possible which is why Maria Teresa doesn’t bottle Barbaresco. In some vintages they will include a portion of their own fruit, but the 2021 vintage is made 100% from fruit which comes from Barbaresco. Bottled July 2023.
The nose is very classic, filled with beautiful aromas of dusty rose, tar, leather, anise, flowers, red fruits, and licorice, all of which carries over to the palate, and all of which are in perfect harmony. The palate is serious and structured, but approachable, and filled with an abundance of juicy tart cherry juice, wild strawberries, and smoke, accented by fine tannins and lively acidity. This finishes long.
2020 Barolo: 55 day submerged cap maceration. This is the first vintage since 2015 which includes fruit from San Lorenzo, and the first vintage ever which includes fruit from both Monrobiolo and San Lorenzo, for a total of 5 different vineyard sites. Well defined, highly expressive aromas of roses, crushed cherries, red berries, leather, tar, and hints of anise and licorice. The palate is juicy and displays a great purity of fruit, which is complimented by very soft and silky tannins which glide effortlessly across the palate. Structured and serious, but incredibly approachable. Impeccable balance. This is an absolutely spectacular Barolo. Wow!
2019 Barolo: 30 day maceration. Aromas of balsamic, leather, tar, raspberries, peonies, roses, and wet road. The tannins are definitely more aggressive than the 2020. This has incredible structure and aging potential, but like many other 2019s is a bit closed at the moment. However, it’s extremely evident that this is an absolutely magnificent wine, it just needs a bit of time. It will be very exciting to watch this wine evolve in the coming years.
Thank You
As always, thank you so much Maria Teresa and Emanuele for welcoming us back to your cellar, and for sharing your wines with us. This is truly a very special place, and your wines are always extraordinary! Grazie mille! A presto!
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