Introduction:
The 2018 Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Monprivato is a benchmark Barolo that blends elegance, tradition, and expressive detail. From one of the most revered single vineyards in Castiglione Falletto, this release captures both Nebbiolo’s finesse and Barolo’s power in a vintage that balances richness with approachability.

Terroir:
Grown in the Monprivato vineyard in Castiglione Falletto, planted on clayey-silty marls with active limestone. The vineyard faces southwest at around 280-300 meters altitude, offering midday sun tempered by cool nights. Mascarello drops yields, uses extended maceration, and ages the wine primarily in large Slavonian oak casks or foudres (circa 30-38 months), in keeping with traditional Piedmontese methods.

Appearance:
Translucent garnet red with orange and rust highlights around the rim, showing both youth and early development. The wine is medium-bodied visually but with depth.

Nose:
Aromatic and nuanced: rose petals, wild strawberry, cranberry and raspberry, layered with dried orange peel and apricot. Secondary notes include saline earth, a whisper of tar, camphor, woodland herbs, and subtle spice (cinnamon, cardamom) as it opens.

Palate:
Medium-full in body with a firm backbone of fine, silky tannins. The fruit profile is lifted—red berries, pomegranate, and wild cherry—balanced by mineral tension, earth, and a hint of smoke. Acidity is bright, giving liveliness and helping frame the richness. Oak is present but elegant, providing toast, spice, and structure rather than dominating.

Finish:
Long, persistent finish with lingering red fruit, floral notes, mineral aftertaste, and a touch of spice and earth. The tannins leave grip, but not harshness; the finish is contemplative and satisfying.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Meat dish: Braised short ribs or roasted duck breast with cherry reduction

• Vegetarian option: Mushroom-lentil ragu over polenta or roasted beet carpaccio with thyme and aged balsamic

• Cheese pairing: Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or a matured Pecorino —something with enough backbone to match the tannic structure

Overall Impression:
The 2018 Monprivato is a beautifully composed Barolo that balances power and grace. It delivers vivid red fruits and floral aromatics, woven through with mineral earth, spice, and an elegant oak presence. Though drinkable now, its structure, acid line, and tannic backbone promise evolution over the next 10-20 years. A wine for collectors and lovers of classically styled Barolo that shows its pedigree in every sip.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~14.5%
Farming Practices: Low yields; traditional methods; extended maceration; vineyard-autonomy and family stewardship
Producer Name: Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Piedmont, Barolo (Castiglione Falletto)
Grape Varietals: 100% Nebbiolo (Michét clone)
Vintage: 2018
Wine Style: Dry red; refined yet powerful; floral, mineral, ageworthy
Winemaking Techniques: Long skin maceration; Slavonian oak / large oak cask aging (30-38 months); traditional cellar practices
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Burgundy-style glass bottle or typical Barolo bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

99 points, Kerrin O'Keefe (formerly of Wine Enthusiast)
"Intensely perfumed, this is one of the best Barolos from the vintage, starting right out with its enticing scents of wild rose, Alpine herb, wet stone, woodland berry, and camphor. On the vibrant, delicious palate, taut, fine-grained tannins accompany succulent pomegranate, wild raspberry, star anise, and cinnamon. It’s elegant, precise, and impeccably balanced, with bright acidity. It’s already gorgeous, but will age beautifully, too. Drink 2024–2038."

95 points, Wine Spectator:
"A supple red hallmarked by elegance and finesse, featuring rose, strawberry, cherry, and accents of eucalyptus and mint, which ply the refined texture and structure. Balanced and persistent on the fruit-filled aftertaste, where a mineral element emerges. Shows excellent length. Best from 2024 through 2042."

95 points, Wine Advocate:
"The Giuseppe Mascarello 2018 Barolo Monprivato reveals an open and accessible personality. This wine is an immediate charmer. I tasted these wines with the Mascarello family seated across the table from me, and during our chat, they explained that this was a gratifying vintage in terms of farming and winemaking. The growing season was not too hot, and high alcohol levels were not an issue, they say. In the case of this wine, we are greeted with mild tannins and a pretty bouquet with delicate floral notes, smoke, and tar."