Mascarello: A century of family winemaking in La Morra
The Giuseppe Mascarello family has a long and distinguished history in the Barolo region, with roots in winemaking dating back more than a century and a half. Originally working as farmers for the Marchesa Giulia Colbert Faletti di Barolo in La Morra, the family eventually established their own estate in the late 19th century. The winery itself was founded in 1927 by Maria Mascarello, a pioneering female entrepreneur. Since then, four generations of the Mascarello family have continued the tradition of producing classic Piedmont wines with a deep connection to their land in the Langhe.
Located in the heart of La Morra, Mascarello Vineyards’ philosophy centers on careful grape selection, traditional winemaking methods, and a balance of sensory perceptions in their wines. They have remained committed to these principles despite the evolution of the times and the market, emphasizing meticulous attention to the harvest, winemaking, and aging processes. In addition to their estate vineyards, Mascarello also works with historic winemakers and young producers from La Morra and the surrounding area, with oenologist Davide Benaglia overseeing the care of the vineyards to ensure superior quality.
One of Mascarello’s most iconic wines is Barolo DOCG Monprivato®, sourced from their Monprivato vineyard in the village of Castiglione Falletto. This approximately 15-hectare southwest-facing vineyard, with its white and grey marl soil, has been recognised as a special place for Nebbiolo since at least the 17th century. Since 1970, Mascarello has produced a single-vineyard Barolo from Monprivato, which has become one of the Langhe’s most consistently acclaimed wines, known for its perfume and complexity. In the 1980s, Mauro Mascarello, who managed the estate for many years, acquired all but a small part of the Monprivato vineyard, making it almost exclusively a Mascarello family monopoly.
The winemaking process for Barolo Monprivato® involves traditional fermentation with a liquid cap for 20-25 days, followed by maturation in medium-sized Slavic oak barrels for around 30 months. The wine is typically bottled after six years of vintage and is known for its garnet red color, complex and fruity nose with spicy and floral notes, and a powerful, long and full-bodied taste with excellent aging potential of 15-25 years.
The Mascarello family estate extends over 15 hectares of vineyards, all located within the Barolo wine-growing area. In addition to Monprivato, they own vineyards in other prime locations such as Bricco, Codana, Toetto, Villero and Santo Stefano di Perno. The family's history is deeply intertwined with the land, with Giuseppe Mascarello starting the family business in Monforte d'Alba in 1881, before his son Maurizio moved the business to a farm in the Monprivato area of Castiglione Falletto in 1904. In 1919, Maurizio purchased an 18th century presence in the Monchiero region, further building the family presence.
Mascarello's Barolo Monprivato® consistently receives high marks from wine critics, often in the mid to high 90s, recognizing its exceptional quality and expression of terroir. While specific marks for other Mascarello wines may vary, the family's commitment to traditional methods and quality fruit ensures a high standard across their portfolio.
A defining characteristic of Mascarello is their unwavering dedication to traditional Barolo winemaking and their deep connection to the Monprivato vineyard. Their single vineyard bottling from this historic site has become a benchmark for Barolo, showcasing the potential of Nebbiolo when grown with care and respect for tradition. The Mascarello family's multi-generational commitment to their land and their craftsmanship ensures that their wines continue to represent the classic elegance and longevity of Barolo.
