Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio, 'Santo Stefano di Perno', Barolo, Italy, 2021

Overview of the Wine
Mauro Mascarello and his legendary Barolo Monprivato represent the culmination of more than 130 years of great Giuseppe Mascarello wines.

Visiting Cantina Giuseppe Mascarello & Figli is in some ways a bit like traveling back in time: the winery is full of ancient, enormous botti, and though the largest casks are no longer in use, the family traditions still reign. Fermentations are slow, in concrete and steel; aging is long, in large oak botti ranging from 20 to 70 years of age. There are no tricks to doll the wines up. Farming decisions are made with an eye not only to the current vintage, but to future generations of Mascarellos.

However visiting Mascarello isn’t just stepping into the past: a visit is being welcomed into a space where you can feel the profound connection between the present and what has come before, the thread that ties today’s Piedmont to its rich and wonderful history.

Elena and her brother, Giuseppe, are the latest Mascarellos to carry the thread forward, and they're doing it beautifully, which shows in the wines. The family has some of Piedmont's greatest terroirs, including Monprivato (often called “the Musigny of Barolo”). They do what they need to do to allow those terroirs to shine year after year, in each new vintage’s unique voice.

Mauro’s Langhe Nebbiolo is Barolo in everything but name only. The fruit comes mostly from the Santo Stefano Vineyard in Monforte, with a little Castiglione Falletto in the mix too, and is selected at harvest for this cuvée (vs. the Barolo). It is fermented with a slightly shorter maceration of 15-20 days and then aged in those same, big, ancient botti for 14 months. The idea is to produce a wine with the classic elegance and nuance of the estate that is ready to drink much sooner than the Barolo.

Winemaker
Mauro Mascarello

Grape / Blend
100% Dolcetto

Origin
Piedmont, Italy

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby-red color. Strong aroma that is nicely fruity with flowery touches. Taste is dry, bitterish, and elegant with a nice body. This wine can be served throughout a meal, but is particularly recommended with white meats, soups and pasta.

96 Points - Kerin O'Keefe
Fragrant and refined, the 2021 Perno from Giuseppe Mascarello is a beautiful wine with aromas of rose, violet, wild berry and citrus. Showing structure and finesse, it s firm and linear, delivering flavors of red cherry, ripe strawberry, anise and orange peel accompanied by coiled tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2031-2041.

95 Points - Kerin O'Keefe
The 2021 Barolo Perno Vigna Santo Stefano is a terrific follow-up to the 2020. All the classic Perno signatures come through in a wine that speaks to finesse. Crushed flowers, mint, pine, cinnamon and blood orange meld into a core of crushed red berry fruit. Light on its feet and quite delicate, the 2021 is supported by brisk acids and beams of classy, delineated tannins that convey energy and drive. Gorgeous.

Product size: 750ml