Mascarello Giuseppe - Barbera d'Alba Scudetto 2022
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio is one of the great historic houses of Piedmont, with a family history linked to the vine for more than a century and a half. Located in the prestigious Langhe area, the estate is best known for its benchmark Barolos, but it also produces remarkable expressions of other traditional grape varieties from the region. The Mascarello family works about 15 hectares of vineyards, all located in the Barolo wine area, with a deep loyalty to the terroirs, long macerations, and traditional aging. The house style is based on precision, patience, and a search for balance rather than demonstration. Scudetto holds a special place in the range, as this Barbera comes from the Perno sector, in the municipality of Monforte d'Alba. This terroir gives a more serious, structured, and deeper expression of the grape variety. With the 2022 vintage, Mascarello delivers a Barbera d'Alba with character, faithful to the sober and classic elegance of the estate.
The Barbera d'Alba Scudetto 2022 cuvée is made exclusively from Barbera, a Piedmontese grape variety known for its energy, deep color, and beautiful natural acidity. The grapes come from the Scudetto vineyard, located under the chapel of Santo Stefano di Perno, at about 300 meters altitude. This sector of Monforte d'Alba rests on clay-sandy soils of marine origin, enriched by the presence of pebbles and small stony elements. The west-northwest exposure favors progressive ripening while preserving the freshness necessary for the wine's balance. Harvest usually takes place at the beginning of October when the Barbera reaches full maturity without losing its tension. Vinification remains traditional, with a 15 to 20-day fermentation with a floating cap on estate grapes. Aging, carried out for a few months in medium-capacity oak barrels or inert containers depending on the vintage's balance, respects the fruit while providing structure.
In the glass, Mascarello Giuseppe Barbera d'Alba Scudetto 2022 reveals an intense, deep ruby robe with violet to garnet reflections. The nose evokes black cherry, plum, ripe grape, and small red fruits, with a vinous, spicy, and slightly earthy touch. The palate is ample, energetic, and structured, driven by Barbera's natural acidity which gives great relief to the tasting. The wine has body, substance, and beautiful power but maintains the balance and precision that characterize Mascarello's great wines. The tannins remain moderate, leaving room for a juicy, deep, and persistent sensation. This Barbera d'Alba can be enjoyed now after aeration, but it also has real aging potential over several years. It will perfectly accompany pasta with ragù, grilled red meat, roasted poultry, Piedmontese charcuterie, aged cheeses, or generous Italian cuisine.
Grape variety: 100% Barbera
