Bartolo Mascarello Barolo 2021

Drink it now or cellar for 35 years or more. It is recommended to decant it for a couple of hours. Bartolo Mascarello was a pivotal and iconic figure in the history of Barolo wine. His winery, located in the heart of the village of Barolo, was a gathering place for intellectuals and artists for years. His wines are the most traditional representation of the spirit of the Langhe. His staunch opposition to the use of barriques for Barolo became renowned. Since Bartolo's passing in 2005, the winery has been managed with the same approach by his daughter Maria Teresa. The Nebbiolo grapes come from vineyards (spread across some of the most renowned crus, including San Lorenzo, Cannubi, and Rocche) located in the municipality of Barolo. Vinification is traditional, with fermentation in cement vats and lengthy maceration on the skins. The finished wine then ages for over 30 months in large Slavonian barrels. The result is an austere and long-lived wine, elegant and rigorous. Its aromatic profile is deep and complex, with notes of ripe dark fruits and dried flowers. Over time, it will develop tertiary aromas of undergrowth, spices, leather, and some balsamic touches. On the palate, it is solid and powerful, concentrated and firm. It is fresh and lean, with a strong and elegant tannic backbone and a long, persistent finish that recalls notes of undergrowth. It is an exceptional wine, capable of aging and evolving with extraordinary elegance over several decades. A must-try with braised game.