Mascarello: Barolo 2022

Bartolo Mascarello’s 2022 Barolo comes from a very hot, dry vintage that significantly reduced yields (by about 40%); however, the traditional blend of the estate’s various *crus* (Cannubi, San Lorenzo, Ruè, and Rocche dell'Annunziata) has ensured exceptional balance, freshness, and structure. Critic Scores James Suckling: 97/100 Jeb Dunnuck: 96+/100 Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate): 95/100 Kerin O'Keefe: 95/100 Vinous: 94/100 Tasting Notes Visual: Pale ruby ​​red with youthful orange and garnet hues typical of Nebbiolo. Nose: A complex bouquet of great traditional elegance. Notes of dried cherry, ripe raspberry, and wild strawberry emerge, accompanied by balsamic hints of menthol and eucalyptus, licorice, star anise, rose potpourri, tar, sweet spices, and a distinct mineral/cast-iron note. Palate: Enveloping, juicy, and surprisingly fresh on the palate, despite the hot vintage. The tannins are dense, structured, and silky, supported by a lively acidic backbone. The finish is long, featuring a return of blood orange, citrus zest, and bitter nuances reminiscent of rhubarb and *chinotto*. Serving Recommendations Drinking Window: Already accessible and expressive, but it will show its best from 2027 onwards, with an aging potential of over 15–20 years. Serving Temperature: 18°–20°C. Pairings: Slow-cooked red meats (braised dishes, stews), furred game, white truffle dishes, and aged cheeses. Nebbiolo Visual Appearance: Pale, transparent ruby ​​red; very brilliant, with slight garnet hues. Nose: Fresh, floral, and elegant. Distinct notes of dried rose, violet, wild strawberry, and crisp cherry, accompanied by nuances of aromatic herbs, pink pepper, and a subtle mineral/earthy undertone. Palate: Medium-light bodied, featuring pronounced acidity and tannins that are dense yet agile—never aggressive. It is smooth, flavorful, and fresh to drink, with a clean, persistent finish marked by notes of small red fruits and citrus. Serving Recommendations Serving Temperature: 16°–18°C. Drinking Window: Already highly enjoyable and ready to drink now thanks to the vintage's freshness, yet capable of excellent evolution in the cellar over the next 3–6 years. Pairings: *Tajarin* pasta with meat ragù, traditional Piedmontese cured meats, roast white meats, or medium-aged cheeses. BarberaVisual Appearance: Deep, intense ruby ​​red with lively violet hues at the rim. Nose: A clean, fragrant bouquet dominated by ripe red and black fruit (fresh plum, Marasca cherry, and blueberry), enriched by notes of violet, dark spices, and an earthy touch typical of the Barolo terroir. Palate: Full-bodied, juicy, and energetic. Vibrant acidity supports the smooth structure, offering a taut, clean mouthfeel with a long, fruity finish. Serving Recommendations Serving Temperature: 16°–18°C. Drinking Window: Already remarkably enjoyable in its youth thanks to its fruit-forward character, yet it has the potential to evolve positively over the next 5–8 years. Food Pairings: Rich Piedmontese pasta dishes (such as *agnolotti del plin* or pasta with ragù), assorted cured meats and salumi, grilled red meats, and medium-aged cheeses. Barolo Chinato Bartolo Mascarello’s Barolo Chinato (produced in the classic 50 cl bottle with a red wax seal) is one of the rarest and most iconic traditional elixirs of the Langhe region. It is crafted from a Barolo DOCG base enriched with sugar, alcohol, and a secret infusion of spices and medicinal herbs (including Calisaya cinchona bark, gentian, rhubarb, and cardamom). Tasting Notes Visual Appearance: Dark garnet red—dense and brilliant—with intense orange and amber highlights. Nose: A deep, enveloping, and extremely complex bouquet. Prominent notes include the bitter and balsamic qualities of cinchona bark, accompanied by sweet spices such as cinnamon, clove, gentian, nutmeg, and anise. Nuances of candied orange peel, dried fruit, medicinal herbs, and incense also emerge. Palate: Soft, round, and enveloping on the palate, with a warming entry well-balanced by the natural acidity of the Nebbiolo grape. The balance between sweetness and the underlying bitter note ensures the taste is never cloying. The finish is extraordinarily long, persistent, and refreshing, dominated by aromas of cinchona, cocoa, and dark spices. Serving Suggestions Serving Temperature: 16°–18°C (also excellent served slightly chilled or at room temperature, depending on preference). Pairings: An ideal companion for dark chocolate (with high cocoa content) and hazelnut- or cocoa-based desserts. It is also exceptional enjoyed on its own at the end of a meal, as a "meditation wine" or a traditional digestif.

Estimate:$420.64

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