Barolo 1998 Bartolo Mascarello

Barolo 1998 Bartolo Mascarello

A Classic Aging with Elegance

The Barolo 1998 by Bartolo Mascarello is a perfect example of how time can transform a great wine, enriching it with depth and complexity. This Barolo, born from a favorable vintage, today shows an extraordinary balance between structure, elegance, and finesse. The aging in Slavonian oak barrels has given the wine perfect maturity, while still preserving its typical Barolo character.

Origins and Philosophy

As always, the Barolo 1998 comes from the historic vineyards of Cannubi, San Lorenzo, Rue, and Rocche di La Morra. The approach in the vineyard is strictly natural and sustainable, with no use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In the cellar, Bartolo Mascarello follows a traditional philosophy: spontaneous fermentation, long maceration, and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels for over 30 months, without ever using barriques or invasive techniques. The result is a wine that faithfully reflects the land and philosophy of the Mascarello family.

Tasting Notes

👁️ Color
Garnet with orange highlights and signs of evolution, indicative of the wine’s age and maturation.

👃 Nose

• Ripe red fruits, such as cherries in spirit

• Balsamic and earthy notes that speak to tradition

• Hints of leather, tobacco, and sweet spices that develop over time

👄 Palate

• Wide and rich wine, but with a freshness that balances the structure

• Silky tannins, perfectly integrated and smoothed by the long aging

• A long, persistent finish with notes of plum, tobacco, and sweet spices that linger

Vineyard Approach and Winemaking

In the vineyard, Bartolo Mascarello practices sustainable farming, respecting the natural cycles of the land and working manually. The harvest is carefully selected to pick only the healthiest and ripest grapes. In the cellar, fermentation takes place spontaneously, without selected yeasts, and the maceration is prolonged to extract the maximum complexity from the grapes. The aging in large Slavonian oak barrels for over 30 months allows the wine to evolve slowly, developing unique depth and finesse.

The 1998 Vintage

1998 was a particularly favorable year for Piedmont. The climate conditions allowed for optimal grape ripening, leading to the production of a Barolo with strong character and structure. Today, after over 20 years of bottle aging, the 1998 Barolo by Bartolo Mascarello is now ready to be appreciated in all its glory.

Technical Data Sheet

• Producer: Bartolo Mascarello

• Denomination: Barolo DOCG

• Vintage: 1998

• Variety: 100% Nebbiolo (Cannubi, San Lorenzo, Rue, Rocche di La Morra)

• Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation in cement, long maceration

• Aging: Over 30 months in large Slavonian oak barrels

• Alcohol: 14.5% vol

• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C

• Farming: Traditional and sustainable

• Aging Potential: Up to 2030

Bartolo Mascarello: The Purest Voice of Traditional Barolo

A True Icon of the Langhe

Bartolo Mascarello isn’t just a name in Barolo’s history — he’s a legend. His winery, nestled in the heart of Barolo village, stands as a symbol of unwavering tradition in Piemonte. A rebellious yet poetic figure, Mascarello turned his deep-rooted beliefs into both wines and cultural statements. He didn’t just make Barolo — he stood for it.

Rejecting Modernity for Integrity

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, when many producers leaned into modern techniques and barriques, Bartolo Mascarello stayed fiercely committed to the old ways. His handwritten labels became iconic slogans: “No barrique, no Berlusconi,” “Barolo is tradition,” or simply “Liberty.” These were more than phrases — they were acts of resistance.

The Vineyard as Philosophy

His vineyards — Cannubi, San Lorenzo, Rue, and Rocche di La Morra — are cultivated with the utmost respect for the land. No aggressive treatments, no systemic chemicals. And crucially, he never vinified parcels separately. For Bartolo, the essence of Barolo was found in blending, not in single cru expressions. That idea, now rare, was his signature.

Winemaking with Patience and Soul

Everything in the cellar is done slowly, by hand, and with heart. Spontaneous fermentations, long macerations of up to 40 days on the skins, and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. The wines are unfiltered, unfined, and uncompromising. Young Barolo Mascarello may seem austere — but give it time, and it reveals a depth and elegance that only tradition can produce.

The Legacy Lives On

When Bartolo passed away in 2005, his daughter Maria Teresa Mascarello took the reins. With quiet strength and exacting care, she has preserved her father’s philosophy, elevating the wines while keeping them true. Every vintage under her direction is a living expression of heritage, terroir, and time.

Why Bartolo Mascarello Matters

To drink a Mascarello Barolo is to step into a time capsule — not just of a place, but of a way of thinking. These are not flashy wines. They are profound, emotional, and intellectually honest. Each bottle tells a story of craft, courage, and cultural resistance, bottled without compromise.