Notes from Astor Wines:

"For many collectors, the Bartolo Mascarello wines have a special place due to their independent spirit and unwavering dedication to the traditions and practices of a bygone era in Barolo. This is the Langhe Nebbiolo and a prime example from the estate from the venerable grape that goes into their Barolo at a fraction of the cost.

Many Italian brands are well known and respected around the world. So, if the best shoes and dresses are tailored in Italy and the fastest cars are assembled and designed there, then is there any surprise that other pleasures are made there as well. You, of course, know there are many winemakers in Italy, but only a few of them have made the name for themselves approaching the status of Gucci or Ferrari. Bartolo Mascarello has become a luxury brand name in the winemaking industry.

The most famous grape in Piedmont is the noble Nebbiolo, which makes the long-lived Barolo and Barbaresco. There are plenty of Nebbiolo-based wines that are quite enjoyable in their youth, however, often produced in smaller, lesser-known regions such as Ghemme or Gattinara. Several other Piedmontese grapes make striking and delicious wines: Pelaverga produces light-colored reds with distinctive notes of strawberry, cherry, and pink peppercorn. The red Freisa is vinified in a variety of styles: still and sparkling, dry and sweet. In each, it remains fruit-driven and juicy, making it perfect with light appetizers. Ruché makes medium- to full-bodied reds with intense aromas of black plum, pomegranate, and rose petals."