Massolino Barolo 2021

Region and Vineyards

Lying on the eastern flank of the Barolo zone, Serralunga d'Alba rises to 360 m and is renowned for soils rich in calcareous marl interlaced with sandstone. This compact matrix drains quickly, forcing vines to drive roots deep, a key to Nebbiolo's celebrated concentration and longevity. Warm days are tempered by cool Alpine currents, extending ripening and preserving acidity, while the valley's morning fogs gently modulate photosynthesis.

Massolino farms some 24 ha under sustainable practices, selecting parcels between 280 m and 360 m for the Barolo DOCG bottling. Exposures vary—predominantly south-facing—giving a mosaic of micro-terroirs whose fruit is harvested and vinified separately before blending. Vines average 35 years and are trained Guyot with densities of roughly 5,800 plants/ha, yielding berries of modest size and thick skins packed with tannin, aromatics and that signature hint of iron-toned minerality.

Winemaking

Hand-picked in mid-October 2021, the clusters underwent meticulous sorting before a traditional fermentation in upright oak fermenters at ~30 °C. Maceration lasted nearly three weeks with regular délestage to gently extract color and fine tannins while maintaining aromatic purity. Malolactic conversion completed naturally in late winter.

Ageing followed in 4 000-5 000 L Slavonian botti for up to 30 months, a regime that polishes texture without imprinting overt oak flavors. After assemblage, the wine rested for a further year in Massolino's underground cellars prior to release, emerging at 14-14.5 % vol alcohol, 6.0 g/L total acidity and a dry extract that underpins notable structure and ageing potential well past 2040.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Lustrous medium-garnet core shading to a delicate ruby rim.
• Aroma: Rose petal, wild strawberry and orange peel glide above nuances of star anise, tobacco leaf, iron filings and truffle.
• Palate: Medium-full bodied; lively acidity threads through ripe Morello cherry, blood-orange zest and savory licorice. Tannins are taut yet velvety, tapering into a long, balsamic-mineral finish.

Did you know?

Founded in 1896, the Massolino family not only pioneered quality viticulture in Serralunga but also introduced the village's first electricity generator—powering both the cantina and the local community, a visionary blend of progress and tradition that still guides the estate today.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised veal cheek with Barolo-infused jus—mirrors the wine's depth and tannin.
• Porcini mushroom risotto—earthy umami elevates the truffle and forest notes.
• Tajarin with white truffle—Piedmont's classic pasta amplifies floral aromatics.
• Aged Parmigiano Reggiano—crystalline texture meets Nebbiolo's firm structure.

History of Massolino

The story of Massolino begins with Giovanni Massolino, an enterprising pioneer who founded the estate in 1896 and brought electricity to Serralunga d’Alba, a testament to his forward-thinking vision. Giovanni’s legacy was continued by his son Giuseppe, who expanded the estate to include some of the best soils in the region and was one of the founding members of the Consortium for the Defense of Barolo and Barbaresco in 1934.

Giuseppe’s children, Giovanni, Camilla, and Renato, further elevated the estate by acquiring prized cru vineyards, including Margheria, Parafada, and Vigna Rionda. In the 1990s, Franco and Roberto Massolino, both trained oenologists, joined the winery, combining the family's deep-rooted tradition with modern innovation in viticulture and winemaking. Their efforts have positioned Massolino as one of the most respected names in Barolo production globally.

Region and Vineyards

Massolino’s vineyards, covering 57 hectares, are primarily located in Serralunga d'Alba, known for its calcareous soils and ability to produce long-lived, structured wines. The family also owns plots in Castiglione Falletto (Parussi cru).

The crown jewel of their holdings is the legendary Vigna Rionda vineyard, producing some of the most celebrated Barolo Riservas. The estate also manages vineyards in Margheria and Parafada, all of which are renowned for their unique expressions of Nebbiolo. Additionally, Massolino cultivates Dolcetto, Barbera, Moscato, and Chardonnay, highlighting the diversity of Serralunga's terroir.

Wine Range of Massolino

Massolino produces a range of wines that reflect both traditional and modern winemaking philosophies:

Classic Wines

• Dolcetto d'Alba DOC
• Barbera d'Alba DOC
• Langhe DOC Nebbiolo
• Barbaresco DOCG
• Barolo DOCG
  These wines, vinified in large wooden barrels, maintain Massolino’s commitment to tradition. The Gisep Barbera d'Alba, dedicated to Giuseppe Massolino, is aged in barriques for a modern expression of Barbera.

Cru Wines

Massolino produces single-vineyard Barolo DOCG wines from:

• Margheria
• Parafada
• Vigna Rionda, including their prestigious Barolo Riserva DOCG, some of which is aged for 10 years (Dieci Anni).
  From Castiglione Falletto, Massolino also crafts Barolo Parussi, demonstrating the estate’s exploration of terroirs beyond Serralunga.

White Wines

• Langhe DOC Chardonnay: An international-style wine partially aged in barriques.
• Moscato d’Asti DOCG: A fresh, aromatic expression of Serralunga-grown Muscat grapes.

Did You Know?

Massolino’s Vigna Rionda vineyard is regarded as one of the most prestigious sites in Barolo. The estate’s Dieci Anni Barolo Riserva, aged for 10 years before release, showcases their commitment to producing Barolo that exemplifies the patience and aging potential of this iconic wine.