Monprivato and friends 

Finesse, tradition, purity

The name Giuseppe Mascarello is synonymous with Monprivato, one of the most hallowed sites in Barolo, and the flagship Mascarello bottling. The Mascarellos have been here since the mid 1800s, but it wasn't until 1970 that Mauro Mascarello decided to vinify Monprivato apart. Since then, it has become a Barolo legend.

The 2012 vintage has brought succulent fruit, refined tannins, and balance to many estates in Barolo. It has also resulted in a surprisingly approachable Monprivato - perhaps deceptively so, since this is a wine that can age for decades. Elena Mascarello describes 2012 as all elegance and her favourite of the crop of recent good vintages.

Villero is another revered site in Castiglione Falletto and shares many qualities (aspect, elevation) with Monprivato. One difference is soil (sandier in Villero), making the Villero softer, prettier, more perfumed. In Monforte d'Alba we find the Santo Stefano Barolo Perno. This has more power on show than is typical in the hallmark Mascarello style. /NT

Offered subject to confirmation for shipment autumn 2016