Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2017

Coming from one of the most desirable crus in Serralunga d’Alba, this captivating, 98-point Barolo from the Massolino family covers all the characteristics you could ever desire in a quintessential sultry nebbiolo. With a pronounced structure, pure essence, and exotic tannins, it has aged beautifully already ready to drink magnificently well at the moment, with room to develop even greater nuances with additional cellar time. After one sip ourselves, we’ll forgive you should you give into temptation and open one immediately!

Giovanni Massolino – the first person to bring electricity to the village of Serralunga d’Alba – founded his family estate in 1896. His son, Giuseppe, following in his father’s tenacious footsteps, built their first wine cellar, as well as extended the estate’s holdings to the area’s best soils, and founded the Consortium for the Defence of Barolo and Barbaresco in 1934. Three more generations after continued the family legacy and purchased three additional jewels of cru vineyards to add to the Massolinos’ holdings. The core of the family’s winemaking mentality is honoring the deeply profound connection between the hills, vines, and winegrowers who tend to them, and preserving the characteristics of their native grape varieties. It’s this connection that grows deeper with each year passing and each generation that steps in to continue the estate’s purpose.

“We have always believed in Barolo and its austere uniqueness. We care for it in keeping with the philosophy that inspires our approach to wine – minimal intervention, to capture all the qualities that our soils and grapes can create in the glass.” – the Massolino family

This wine comes from Vigna Rionda, a much-sought-after vineyard on a rounded hill in Serralunga with soils rich in limestone with some clayey marl and sand. The Massolinos profess that they “accompany the fruit from vineyard to glass, without forcing it. Elevating, without adding.” Made in the traditional Barolo style following classic vinification standards, the wine comes from vines averaging an age of 50 years old and undergoes long fermentation and maceration in oak vats, aging in large Slavonian oak barrels for 36 months with an additional 36 months in the bottle.

One of the wines the Massolino family is most proud of, the Vigna Rionda Riserva offers something tremendously unique. It’s no wonder it’s attracted such high applause, ranging 97 and 98 points from top critics – this wine drips with complexity, longevity, and unmatchable elegance. Dazzling fruits open on the nose, the likes of bursting red cherries, ripe strawberries, and notes of chocolate-dipped orange slices for something wildly sensual and explosive. The addition of rose blooms, black licorice, and a firm iron edge add layers of captivation, while a mineral spine carries the finish through to something delightfully long-lasting. A Barolo with classic, caressing characteristics from a fervently involved and historically significant family to the area – whatever you do, fans of this style need not miss out on this one. Our supplies are quite limited and won’t be around for long!

PAIRING IDEAS: Sultry meat dishes are heaven-sent next to fine Barolos – and I’m opting for this roast beef tenderloin with garlic, rosemary, and horseradish. Mouth. Watering.