Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Villero 2014

Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio is a small family winery in Piedmont, founded in 1881 and regarded as one of the finest traditional producers of Barolo. This bottling comes from the Villero cru in Castiglione Falletto, a slope of calcareous marl that gives structured, long-lived Nebbiolo. The estate ferments in cement and stainless steel and ages its Barolo in large Slavonian oak foudres, a traditional method that allows slow, gentle oxygen exchange over long periods without imparting overt oak flavour, so the grape and site remain clear. This wine spent thirty months in foudre. Nebbiolo's high acidity and firm tannin come from the grape's late ripening on these limestone soils, and long ageing settles the structure into a fine, savoury frame. The 2014 is pale garnet, with red cherry, dried rose, violet and jasmine on the nose over marzipan, tobacco, leather and liquorice. The palate is fine and floral, with bright acidity, structured but polished tannin and a long, earthy, savoury finish. This is classic traditional Barolo with the balance to age well beyond a decade. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted, in a large Barolo glass. It suits braised beef, game and truffle dishes.