History and Terroir

Bartolo Mascarello winery was founded in 1919 upon Giulio Mascarello’s return to the municipality of Barolo from World War I. He then decides to set up his own winery, relying on his passion and talent as a vine grower, and selecting small portions of some extremely vocated vineyards, which he acquires new parcels with considerable sacrifice. Bartolo, Giulio’s son, joined the winery in the 1940s bringing in an independent philosophy that would remain unchanged over the years, thanks to his strong personality. Original and traditionalist at the same time, he produces a Barolo "as the old people did," refractory both to flattery, and to the latest fashion. His wines oppose the latest evolution and dictates of international taste, and stress instead the utmost respect for a fortunate and vocated land, according to a precise idea of valorization and preservation. The illness will force Bartolo into a wheelchair, without scratching him and giving him a new life as a draftsman instead. The labels of selected bottles are hand drawn and become unique masterpieces since the Barolo 1987, but his production further extends to oenological, political and philosophical manifestos. The winery today is spearheaded by Maria Teresa Mascarello, Bartolo’s daughter, who coherently and consistently carries on her father's work. Her training, however, also passed through the emotional and family bonds with two other greats of viticulture in the Langhe: Teobaldo Cappellano and her cousin Giuseppe Rinaldi. Maria Teresa is a sensitive and intelligent woman; she’s the only interpreter and unique repository of a historical memory and a common belief in the way of working both in the vineyard and in the cellar, as well as in the way of understanding life and land. A land with centuries of history and with a clear and precise idea to represent and convey to the present and future generations, among those who are willing to grasp this legacy.

Farming and Winemaking

The family still comprises the original 5 hectares of vines, divided into 4 plots: Cannubi, San Lorenzo and Ruè in Barolo; and Rocche dell’Annunziata in La Morra. The artisanal production is characterized by a single label of Barolo that combines several crus in a single bottle, as per tradition. While Bartolo Mascarello’s Barolo stands as a great and timeless classic of the Langhe, as well as one of the greatest Italian wines, contended by enthusiasts all over the world, Maria Teresa's Freisa, Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto d’Alba and Langhe Nebbiolo are also excellent and extraordinary wines. These are bottles to be drunk for remembrance, reminiscence and memory.