Barolo Monprivato 2011 Giuseppe Mascarello

Barolo Monprivato 2011: The Authentic Soul of Nebbiolo

A Radiant Vintage Full of Charm

The Barolo Monprivato 2011 stands out for its radiant, enveloping character, born from a warm vintage that gifted the Nebbiolo grape with rich ripeness while preserving elegance. It is one of the most captivating interpretations of the prestigious Monprivato cru, expressing complexity, depth, and harmony in every sip.

Vineyard and Winemaking Approach

In the vineyard, sustainable practices are rigorously followed, respecting natural cycles and minimizing intervention. Harvesting is entirely manual, with careful selection of the best clusters. In the cellar, the winemaking remains traditional: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and long maceration on the skins. The wine then ages for about 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing a slow and natural evolution.

Tasting Notes

👁️ Color

Bright ruby red with elegant garnet highlights beginning to emerge.

👃 Nose

The bouquet is intense and layered, offering aromas of ripe cherries, dried roses, aromatic herbs, and delicate hints of licorice and white pepper.

👄 Palate

On the palate, Monprivato 2011 is full-bodied and enveloping, with silky, well-integrated tannins. The lively acidity brings freshness and dynamism, leading to a long, complex finish marked by red fruit and sweet spice notes.

A Barolo to Drink or Age

Although already highly enjoyable, Barolo Monprivato 2011 possesses excellent aging potential. Over the next 10–15 years, it will continue to develop even greater depth and tertiary nuances.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio

• Designation: Barolo DOCG

• Production Area: Castiglione Falletto, Monprivato vineyard

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, long maceration

• Aging: About 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks

• Alcohol Content: 14.5%

• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C (60-64°F)

• Aging Potential: 10-15 years

• Vineyard Practices: Sustainable agriculture, manual harvest

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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.