Name: Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Barolo Monprivato 2014 750ml
Brand: Giuseppe Mascarello E Figlio
SKU: 947599
Price: 193.93 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.3 (4 reviews)

Winery Giuseppe Mascarello E Figlio

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Varietal Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.

Country Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region Piedmont

Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.

Appellation Barolo

Barolo’s star grape is Nebbiolo, a finicky yet expressive variety that reaches its zenith this unique terroir. The region’s distinct microclimates and soils contribute to Nebbiolo’s complexity, resulting in wines with robust tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo wines, often referred to as “the king of wines,” are characterized by their deep garnet hue and complex bouquet, offering aromas of roses, tar, truffles, and red fruit. The aging process is significant, requiring at least 38 months, with a minimum of 18 months spent in wooden casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in wines that evolve beautifully over time, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. For wine enthusiasts, exploring Barolo provides a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking, showcasing the profound marriage of tradition, terroir, and Nebbiolo’s distinctive expression.

WE 97pts

Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of woodland berry, wild herb, violet and camphor mingle together in the glass. Elegantly structured and boasting great intensity, the vibrant palate delivers crushed strawberry, cranberry, orange zest and licorice set against tightly wound but extremely refined tannins. Firm acidity provides the backbone and impeccable balance while a mineral note lends tension. Some may find this almost too ethereal, but others will be dazzled. Drink 2024–2034. (Cellar Selection)

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

Mascarello's legendary cru, from this historic 15-acre, southwest-facing plot not far from the town of Castiglione Falletto, never disappoints. The 2014 Barolo Monprivato is as engaging and as individual as I had hoped it would be. Still in its youth, the bouquet reaches out with wild berry and strawberry, and it has started to show unique tones of natural rubber, tropical fruit and peach—not at all what you might expect from a Nebbiolo, but very delicate and elegant nonetheless. Like every Monprivato vintage, it will take years in the bottle to reach its full potential. Still very closed, this one will only just begin to open after the summer.

WS 93pts

Wine Spectator

Suave and silky in texture, this red sports cherry, strawberry, rose and graphite aromas and flavors, with a hint of wild herbs. Balanced and lacy, ending long and harmonious. Drink now through 2033. 1,026 cases made.

VM 93pts

Vinous Media

The 2014 Barolo Monprivato is one of the finest Barolos I have tasted from the Mascarello family in a number of years. That is all the more remarkable considering a challenging growing season in which conditions were so tough that Mauro Mascarello did not want to show me his vineyard that summer. In the glass, though, the 2014 is gorgeous. Perfumed, bright and gracious, the 2014 captures all the best that was possible. Sage, mint, lavender and dark red/purplish berries add nuance to this super-expressive, transparent Barolo. Although the 2014 is not an epic Monprivato, it is a very beautiful wine. More importantly, let's hope it represents a return to the level of quality that was the norm at this reference-point estate up until 2009.

Winery Notes

Since its first vintage in 1970, Mauro’s Barolo Monprivato has been one of the Langhe’s most consistently magical wines. The secret to its greatness can be found not only in Mauro’s winemaking but in a very special terroir. Approximately 15 acres in size on a southwest-facing slope in Castiglione Falletto, Monprivato’s chalky and gray marl soils offer textbook conditions for Nebbiolo. Monprivato has been known as a special vineyard since at least the 1600s, and a quarter century ago Renato Ratti’s classification of Barolo vineyards ranked Monprivato among Barolo’s ten greatest vineyards—analagous to a Burgundy grand cru. In the 1980s, Mauro brought the complete site under his family’s ownership, making it one of the few great Barolo vineyards to be entirely owned by a single azienda.