2023 Bartolo Mascarello - Barbera d'Alba (750ml)

The 2023 Bartolo Mascarello Barbera d’Alba originates from steep limestone-clay slopes in Castle dell’Alba’s Castiglione Falletto zone. Grapes are harvested when brix levels remain moderate but seed and skin tannins reach optimal polymerization. Following crushing, the must ferments with skins for fourteen days before pressing into large neutral Slavonian oak botti where it ages for roughly twenty-four months. The wine passes without clarification or filtration, preserving native yeast character and complete aromatic integrity.

Bouquet progression reveals wild strawberry, tart cherry, and violet alongside damp forest floor, dried oregano, and crushed flint. The palate mirrors this tension, carrying electric malic acidity through flavors of sour cherry compote, blueberry, and bitter orange zest. Fine tannins grip the tongue lightly while the mid-palate expands with herbal complexity. A long, mineral-steely finish lingers past sixty seconds. Open the bottle one hour prior to serving to soften early edges and unlock secondary spice notes. Keep unopened bottles horizontally between 55–60°F in moderate humidity.

• Complements ragù alla bolognese, wild mushroom risotto, herb-roasted duck, and aged Pecorino Sardo
• Serve chilled to 58–60°F (14–15°C) in standard Burgundy-shaped stemware