Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Monprivato Riserva Cà d’Morissio 2014

Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio is a historic family estate in Piedmont, making wine since 1881 and owner of the Monprivato vineyard in Castiglione Falletto since 1904. Cà d'Morissio is a Riserva drawn from the oldest Michet clone Nebbiolo vines on that plot. The wine ferments in cement tanks lined with epoxy resin and in stainless steel, then ages for an extended period in large wood casks, the traditional Barolo approach. Monprivato sits on the pale calcareous marl of the Tortonian soils, which tend to give Nebbiolo of perfume and elegance rather than sheer power. The continental climate and a wide day to night temperature range allow the late-ripening grape to develop slowly and hold its high acidity and firm tannin. Long ageing in large casks, where oxygen exchange is gentle, softens that tannin and develops tertiary complexity without imposing oak flavour. The colour is garnet with a brick edge. The nose is classic Nebbiolo, with dried rose, tar, dried cherry, leather and truffle. The palate is structured and long, the tannins firm but fine, the finish savoury. Decant well ahead and serve at around 18 degrees with red meat, game or truffle dishes.