and more:
• Understanding Cru Barolo
• Father's Day Gift Ideas from IWM
• Wine Dinners at Babbo with IWM!

A Note from Sergio

Scavino Rocche dell'Annunziata, Aldo Conterno Cicala, Giacosa Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto - these wines represent some of the greatest expressions of the Nebbiolo. The advent of single-vineyard bottlings, launched by the likes of Beppe Colla of Prunotto and the Ceretto brothers over thirty years ago have had a profound impact on the Barolo landscape. There is much to discover within each commune and within each vineyard on the soils of the Langhe hills. However, the Holy Grail of Barolo is not a single-vineyard wine labeled Brunate, Cannubi, or Rocche dell'Annunziata. The divine juice is rather a cuvee from the Mascarello estate's single bottling of Barolo.

The grapes for this blend are sourced from just five hectares planted in the historic and prestigious Barolo vineyards of Cannubi, Rue, San Lorenzo, and Rocche from La Morra which allows for just 1,200 cases, of which only a handful make it to the States. Here, three great protectors of Barolo tradition (Giulio, Bartolo, and Maria Teresa Mascarello) have never bowed to the French custom of cru or single- vineyard bottlings, let alone the use of barriques. While Giulio moved away from the negociant model and use of demijohns (the standard for its time), little has changed since this estate was born in 1918. The practice of assembling ripe fruit from low yields in different vineyards to create a single estate Barolo is law and ensures wines of balance and harmony. Under this Mascarello philosophy Barolo is a wine of patience and there are no short cuts. Barolo is not the wine of instant gratification that changing palates are demanding. "No Barrique, No Berlusconi" became Bartolo's anthem. This man of unyielding conviction, who inherited his father's passion for both the grape and politics, passed away in March. Alas, the Last of the Mohicans is no more. However, like his father, he instilled these same values and techniques in the next generation, Maria Teresa, who now carries on the artisan's craft and represents the future of Barolo's Old School. She has been producing the wine under the watchful eye of the master for over a decade. The door is still open at Via Roma 15, and the tradition is very much alive.

Read on below to learn about the highly anticipated arrival of the 2000s as well as an unprecedented offering of Mascarello's 1964, 1986, 1989, and 1990 vintages. While Mascarello represents the extreme in traditional winemaking, the importance of single- vineyard bottlings cannot be ignored. Aldo Conterno's single-vineyard bottlings of Cicala and Colonnello provide spellbinding depth, but his traditionaly styled Gran Bussia (sourced from multiple vineyards on Bussia) is his crowning achievement. While exploring Barolo it is important not to forget truly traditional Barolo. I have included a detailed map of Barolo outlining the communes and crus of the Langhe hills so that you may begin to understand some of the nuances influenced by soil type and commune. This is a great way to experience Nebbiolo in all its forms. Should you have additional questions or want to purchase these wines, please call Perry Porricelli at 212.473.2323.

All the best,
Sergio Esposito

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Mascarello 2000 and More!

This is a unique and rare offering for connoisseurs and aspiring collectors. In a good year, Bartolo produces approximately 1,500 cases, of which only a small percentage is exported to the States. Many of these wines are well-cellared from Sergio's own collection. For this limited offering, IWM is including Mascarello wines unavailable anywhere else in the US, including the 40-year-old 1964 bottling as well as wines from the landmark 1989, 1990, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 vintages. For the younger wines, we encourage you to remain patient and open the wines 10-30 years after their vintage dates.

What To Expect From Your Investment:
A while back, Sergio and Eric Asimov, chief wine critic for The New York Times, travelled to Italy and tasted the great wines of Bartolo Mascarello. While there, Eric had the unique opportunity to taste and write about the 1964 Mascarello Barolo: "...an unforgettable wine full of signature aromas of tar, truffles, tobacco, and yet as fresh as a wine 30 years younger."

Typical Mascarello Wine Notes:
A ten-year old Barolo from Bartolo will typically carry the traditional garnet red with highlights of orange bracing the rim. A delicate and enticing bouquet of old rose petals, violet, and licorice embrace the nose. On the palate, there is serious structure and exquisite balance with flavors of dried cherries, tobacco, leather, tar, and tell-tale truffle. Acidity and tannins are firmly braced by noble structure. These are the trademarks of a well-made, traditional Barolo from Bartolo Mascarello!

*Please note that the super ripe vintages of 1990, 1997, and 2000 will provide even more fruit flavor and can be more accessible. Contact our portfolio managers for more information on these vintages or to find out when to uncork these classics.

IWM's Legendary Barolos of Mascarello
Bottles (750ml):
Mascarello 2000 Barolo $89.00
Mascarello 1999 Barolo $85.00
Mascarello 1998 Barolo $75.75
Mascarello 1997 Barolo $84.95
Mascarello 1996 Barolo $96.90
Mascarello 1995 Barolo $87.95

Legendary Mascarello Barolo Sampler and Case
1995-2000 Mascarello Barolo (1 of each) - $519.55
1995-2000 Mascarello Barolo Case (2 of each) - $1024.86
(Note: limited availability, sizes are 750ml)

Magnums (1.5L):
Mascarello 2000 Barolo $198.00
Mascarello 1998 Barolo $155.00
Mascarello 1997 Barolo $189.95
Mascarello 1995 Barolo $198.00
Mascarello 1990 Barolo $690.00
Mascarello 1989 Barolo $690.00
Mascarello 1986 Barolo $690.00
Mascarello 1964 Barolo $989.00

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Mascarello Dolcetto

The "little sweet one" is well loved in Italy for its simplicity, low acidity, consistent ripening ability (weeks before Nebbiolo), and easy-going character of intense grapey aromas and fleshy fruit flavors. Recently renewed interest is giving it a new reputation as fat, dark, and powerful. This charming wine is so popular that the Piemontese are said always to have at least 50% Dolcetto running through their veins. Shedding the complexity and depth of Barolo and Barbaresco, it is perfect for the hot summer months.

Though Mascarello's Barolos steal the limelight, the estate's Dolcettos are held to the same exacting production standards and provide excellence in everyday enjoyment. Production is tiny since Nebbiolo claims three of their five hectares and the remaining two are shared with Barbera.

Mascarello 2003 Dolcetto $23.95 ($264.41 / case)
Bright ruby. Abundant fruit bathed in kirsch on the nose, supported by darker earthy notes. More full fruit on the palate with zippy acidity, gentle tannin, and cherries tumbling onto a long, healthy finish.

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Understanding Cru Barolo

There are eleven villages, townships or "communes" that make up the Barolo DOCG. However, there are five key zones that you should be acquainted with that contribute 87% of the wine. These are La Morra, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba, and Monforte d'Alba. The soil types divide these communes into two zones, the Central Valley to the east made up of Tortonian soil (creates more approachable wines with fragrance, softness, and elegance), and the Serralunga Valley to the west consisting of Helvetian soil (generally creates long-lived, powerfully concentrated wines). For a detailed map, click the image at left (allow a moment for the PDF file to open).

The physical elements of each commune provide further characteristics that distinguish it from the other four communes. These qualities are even further segmented by the microclimates where specific vineyards rest. Until the early 1970's Barolo was for the most part a non-cru wine. Barolo was generally the ideal blend of grapes from: La Morra (for fragrance and softness); Barolo (for grace and earthiness); Castiglione Falletto (for boldness and richness); Serralunga (for depth and power); and Monforte (for concentration and structure).

However, thanks to the refined efforts of Gaja, Ratti, and Ceretto, among others, the approach of single-vineyard designations is now an ingrained practice for Barolo much as it is for the great wines of Burgundy. Due to the varied soil types and exposures across vineyards there is a lot to discover. The map illustrated here (click on the map at left) lists some of the highly regarded vineyards in the Barolo zone by soil type and is further broken down by the "general" characteristics of each commune. This generalization needs to be used cautiously, as it is important to note that all variables are not constant and generalizations can oversimplify a complex subject. Individual site altitude and exposure, viticulture and vinification technique, clonal variation, producer style, and vintage conditions can change these characterisitics. Use this map and the tasting case below as guidelines. Contact an IWM Portfolio Manager for more specifics.

Vintage Cru Barolo Sampler:
Prunotto 1985 Cannubi $224.00 (Barolo)
Giacomo Conterno 1996 Monfortino $299.00 (Serralunga)
Aldo Conterno 1990 Cicala $299.00 (Monforte)
Altare 1990 Arborina $225.00 (La Morra)
Marengo Marenda 1989 Cerequio $119.00 (La Morra)
Ceretto 1985 Bricco Rocche $219.00 (Castiglione)
Vintage Grand Cru Sampler (6): $1,385.00*

(1996 - 2001) Cru Barolo Sampler:
Bovio 1996 Barolo Vigna Gattera $60.21 (La Morra)
Paolo Conterno 1997 Barolo Ginestra $95.00 (Monforte)
Ceretto 1998 Barolo Bricco $139.00 (Castiglione)
Massolino 1999 Barolo Margheria $45.00 (Serralunga)
Scavino 2000 Barolo Cannubi $87.00 (Barolo)
Aldo Conterno 2001 Barolo Colonello $89.00 (Monforte)
1996-2001 Cru Barolo Sampler (6): $515.21*
*Free delivery in Manhattan

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Father's Day Gift Ideas from IWM

IWM offers a wide range of gifts at every price point, including wine clubs, antique corkscrews, gift certificates, wine gift baskets, tasting cases for the novice to the connoisseur, educational books on wine and food, and more! Click below to choose a gift from our website or call 212.473.2323 for assistance and recommendations. We are also happy to include gift cards and individual Producer & Tasting Notes to enhance your gifts.

IWM GIFT IDEAS:
- Gift Baskets
- Wine Club Memberships
- Mixed Tasting Cases
- Antique Corkscrews
- Glassware
- Gift Certificates
- Wine Books
- Private Wine Tastings
- Customized Gifts

IWM's in-house Sommeliers and Portfolio Managers are available to recommend an appropriate gift or to help you design a customized gift. Visit our Gift Page or call 212.473.2323 to take care of all your gift-giving needs!

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Wine Dinners at Babbo with IWM!

IWM is pleased to announce our partnering effort with Babbo to bring vintage Italian wine to the enthusiast. Vintage Babbo is a new wine seminar and tasting series held at our sister restaurant. Presented by Joe Bastianich and Dave Lynch, these Monday evening events are open to the public and feature rare wine selections as well as a tasting menu designed specially by Mario Batali. The tastings are meditations on the history and evolution of Italian wine and present the opportunity to taste the rare, the classic, and the difficult-to-find gems of the Boot - with food that magnifies the enjoyment of each sip!

Italy Takes on the World, Part "Deux":Taking on the French
June 20th, $495 per person
The last time we had Italy take on the world, we didn't actually put the Italians up against their vaunted international competition. For this tasting, we'll break Babbo house rules and allow in some great reds from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and elsewhere. How does cru Barolo stack up against cru Burgundy? How about a Bordeaux-style super-Tuscan versus actual Bordeaux? And for that matter, how does Mario tackle a Frenchified theme like this? Don't miss this one-of-a-kind event!

HOW TO RESERVE
Contact Caroline Marshall at 917.715.3599 and specify which tasting you would like to attend.

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