Massolino 2019 New Arrivals Offer
Massolino presented a glorious set of new releases, one of the finest ranges I can recall tasting in more than twenty years of visiting the estate. The 2020 Barbarescos build on last year’s wines. Both are exquisite. After a challenging 2018, Massolino bounces back with a set of 2019 Barolos, wines that impress with their purity and profound expressions of site. Last, but certainly not least is the majestic 2017 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda, a wine that will soon take its place as one of the very finest Barolos ever made here. ANTONIO GALLONI
Over the past two decades in particular, Massolino has capitalised on an enviable set of vineyards while at the same time continued to refine their style. In doing so they have cemented their place within the top echelon of producers. As Galloni eludes to in his quote above, the Massolino style now straddles a killer combination of freshness and clarity of aroma and flavour with more demure tannin profiles. Moreover the wines have lost nothing of their terroir origins and sense of classicism. It's little wonder they have such a following amongst our rusted-on Nebbiolo collectors.
I'm sure you know very well the history of this estate but in case you need a little refresher I've penned a quick potted history below.
The Massolino family has been making Barolo from the iron-rich soils of Serralunga for over a century. They farm 16 hectares in the premier crus of the "appellation" of Margheria, Parafada, and the big daddy of them all, Vigna Rionda; a vineyard almost synonymous with the Massolinos. In more recent times they have also added a holding in Parussi vineyard in neighbouring Castigilione Falletto.
The wines are best described as modern-classic; the result of employing technology in the initial vinification and then maturation in large Slovenian oak. The wines highlight the very different exposures and soil compositions of the respective vineyards while, at the same time maintaining the distinctive Serralunga depth, muscularity and ferrous backbone so typical of the wines of the village. In addition, and as I said above they are also defined by lovely purity and clarity. Apart from the aforementioned crus, the Massolinos also produce the Vigna Rionda Riserva and the Vigna Riserva X Anni - a wine made only in great years which is aged for an extra 6 months in Large oak and then bottle aged until its release 10 years after vintage.
In recent times the family has purchased land in Barbaresco and of pecial mention witin the Albesani cru.
It goes without saying they are a top-tier producer and as the world wakes up to the quality of the zone in general, allocations for prodcuers like Massolino are becoming increasingly sought after.
Cheers
Michael McNamara
Over the past two decades in particular, Massolino has capitalised on an enviable set of vineyards while at the same time continued to refine their style. In doing so they have cemented their place within the top echelon of producers. As Galloni eludes to in his quote above, the Massolino style now straddles a killer combination of freshness and clarity of aroma and flavour with more demure tannin profiles. Moreover the wines have lost nothing of their terroir origins and sense of classicism. It's little wonder they have such a following amongst our rusted-on Nebbiolo collectors.
I'm sure you know very well the history of this estate but in case you need a little refresher I've penned a quick potted history below.
The Massolino family has been making Barolo from the iron-rich soils of Serralunga for over a century. They farm 16 hectares in the premier crus of the "appellation" of Margheria, Parafada, and the big daddy of them all, Vigna Rionda; a vineyard almost synonymous with the Massolinos. In more recent times they have also added a holding in Parussi vineyard in neighbouring Castigilione Falletto.
The wines are best described as modern-classic; the result of employing technology in the initial vinification and then maturation in large Slovenian oak. The wines highlight the very different exposures and soil compositions of the respective vineyards while, at the same time maintaining the distinctive Serralunga depth, muscularity and ferrous backbone so typical of the wines of the village. In addition, and as I said above they are also defined by lovely purity and clarity. Apart from the aforementioned crus, the Massolinos also produce the Vigna Rionda Riserva and the Vigna Riserva X Anni - a wine made only in great years which is aged for an extra 6 months in Large oak and then bottle aged until its release 10 years after vintage.
In recent times the family has purchased land in Barbaresco and of pecial mention witin the Albesani cru.
It goes without saying they are a top-tier producer and as the world wakes up to the quality of the zone in general, allocations for prodcuers like Massolino are becoming increasingly sought after.
Cheers
Michael McNamara
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Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda 2017The 2017 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is flat out stunning. All the purest essence of Rionda comes through in a captivating Barolo that dazzles. Sweet red cherry fruit, kirsch, rose petal, licorice and blood orange are some of the many aromas and flavors that lift from the glass. Exotic and racy, the 2017 is a flat-out stunner. Now, for the million dollar question. Is it better than the 2016? Right now, I give an edge to the 2017 for its greater finesse and total sense of exotic beauty. But time will be the judge. I do look forward to tasting the 2016 and 2017 side by side! ANTONIO GALLONI
Bright red cherry, mint, potpourri, new leather, liquorice root. So fragrant. Fresh, very fine, tannin has a succulence, and they sit so well within the wine, melting through its core. Red fruits (strawberry in particular), tea and blood orange, and a superb long finish of precision and freshness. A beautiful expression of Vigna Rionda, and one that belies the heat of the vintage. GARY WALSH, The Wine Front2017NebbioloItaly457$500.00 As low as $450.00 -
Massolino Barbaresco Albesani 2020 1500mlThe 2020 Barbaresco Albesani has more substance and depth than the straight Barbaresco. The differences between the two wines today aren't that marked at the outset, but that comes with aeration. Macerated cherry, plum, spice, lavender, rose petal and sage develop with time in the glass. All of the richness and power of Albesani comes through. For readers who want to understand what Albesani is all about, this is it! ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous
From the village of Neive, the Massolino 2020 Barbaresco Albesani shows more balance at this young age next to the estate's classic Barbaresco. This single-vineyard expression also has more depth with dark berry nuances, cassis, blue flower and crushed limestone. Those floral aromas emerge with pretty intensity. The wine's tannins are very fine and silky. Some 4,000 bottles were made. (94) MONICA LARNER, The Wine Advocate
2020NebbioloItaly457$620.00 As low as $558.00