2018 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo Magnum

Bartolo Mascarello – an icon of traditional Barolo

The Bartolo Mascarello estate in Barolo is synonymous with authenticity and tradition. Since its founding in 1918, the family has crafted wines true to the classic Langhe style. Today, the estate is led by Maria Teresa Mascarello, who continues her father Bartolo's legacy with an uncompromising dedication to terroir and purity. No cru is vinified separately—instead, grapes from historic vineyards like Cannubi, San Lorenzo, Rué, and Rocche are blended to create a single, masterful Barolo that embodies the essence of the village.

The terroir of Barolo

Bartolo Mascarello's vineyards are spread across some of Barolo's most prestigious slopes. The soils consist of chalky marl mixed with clay and sand, giving Nebbiolo its characteristic structure and aromatic depth. The combination of altitude, exposure, and soil conditions produces wines with equal measure of power and elegance. In 2018, a year with alternating cool and warm periods, Mascarello achieved the perfect balance between ripeness and freshness.

Vinification and maturation

The 2018 Barolo was made entirely traditionally. Fermentation took place in large concrete vats with long maceration on the skins to maximize Nebbiolo expression. The wine then aged for over two years in large Slavonian oak casks, without the use of barriques or modern techniques. The approach remains simple yet meticulous, with the goal of creating a Barolo that speaks through purity, not power.

Tasting note

The 2018 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo Magnum opens with a refined aroma of rose petals, red currant, violet, and orange peel, complemented by subtle hints of iron and earth. The nose is delicate yet deep, layered, and pure. On the palate, the wine reveals silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and crystal-clear precision. The fruit is refined and fresh, with a long, mineral finish that lingers. This Barolo is both light and intense, with an almost weightless concentration typical of the Mascarello style.

Review by The Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate awarded the 2018 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo an impressive score of 97+ points . Monica Larner praised the wine as "superbly delicate and carefully finessed," calling it "an example of how Nebbiolo and the vintage fit together like a lock and key." According to Larner, the wine is "so polished it feels like silk" and is "without a doubt among the top wines of 2018." She anticipates a drinking window of 2026 to 2050 , with the wine continuing to develop in complexity and charm for decades to come.

Magnum size – longer life, greater finesse

The magnum version of this Barolo not only offers a more festive presentation but also a clear advantage for aging. The larger volume allows the wine to age more slowly and evenly, resulting in longer life and even more refined aroma development. The structure remains fresh, while the tannins soften and the bouquet unfolds more deeply with age.

Would you like to order Bartolo Mascarello wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Truffle and Parmesan Risotto – the earthy notes of truffle harmonise with the floral finesse of Nebbiolo.
• Wild boar with mushrooms and rosemary jus – the spiciness enhances the depth of the wine.
• Ravioli filled with ossobuco – the silky texture of the wine complements the creamy filling.
• Braised veal cheek with red wine sauce – the full mouthfeel of the wine embraces the rich sauce.
• Pheasant with lentils and pancetta – the combination of heartiness and freshness creates the perfect balance.
• Roasted eggplant with Parmesan – the light bitterness and umami character complement the spicy finish beautifully.