Massolino Barolo 2020

Massolino Barolo 2020

 

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Massolino
Barolo 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Piedmont (Barolo DOCG)
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Nebbiolo

Massolino Barolo is a classic expression of Barolo DOCG, representing the diversity and richness of the Serralunga d'Alba vineyards in one bottle.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 94 2020
RP Robert Parker 94 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 92 2019
DCT Decanter 90 2019
W&S Wines & Spirits 94 2018
WS Wine Spectator 93 2018
WE Wine Enthusiast 95 2017
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Massolino Barolo DOCG is made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in different vineyards across Serralunga d'Alba, one of the most prestigious Barolo-producing areas.

  • The region’s calcareous soils with mixed consistencies play a crucial role in the wine’s firm tannins and longevity.
  • Serralunga d'Alba benefits from a unique combination of climate and elevation, offering optimal conditions for Nebbiolo to ripen slowly, developing rich aromas and a balanced structure.
  • These vineyards, situated on the region’s hillsides, offer diverse exposures, contributing to the wine’s broad aromatic range and layered complexity.

The Barolo Classico style is a blend of parcels, each contributing distinct elements, creating a harmonious and multifaceted wine that is both approachable and capable of long-term aging.

Winemaking

The production of Massolino Barolo follows traditional methods to preserve the authenticity of its terroir:

  • Fermentation and maceration occur in large oak fermenters ("tini") at controlled temperatures of approximately 30°C, allowing for gentle extraction of color, tannins, and aromas.
  • The wine is aged for up to 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks, which soften the tannins and enhance its complexity while maintaining its Nebbiolo character.
  • A final period of bottle aging in dark, cool cellars refines the wine, preparing it for release and long-term aging potential.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Garnet red with varying intensity depending on the vintage.
  • Aroma: A broad and evolving bouquet, showcasing a mix of spicy notes, floral tones like rose and violet, and hints of red fruit such as cherry and raspberry.
  • Palate: Full-bodied and well-structured, offering a variety of sensations from ripe red fruit to earthy undertones. The firm tannins and vibrant acidity provide balance, leading to a long, elegant finish.

Did You Know?

Massolino Barolo has been produced since 1947, and it remains one of the estate’s flagship wines. By blending grapes from multiple vineyards, this Barolo reflects the diverse characteristics of Serralunga d'Alba’s terroir, offering a comprehensive expression of the region.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Braised beef cheeks in red wine: The wine’s bold tannins and acidity enhance the dish’s richness and depth.
  • Tagliatelle with white truffle: The wine’s earthy notes and floral aromas complement the luxurious flavors of truffle.
  • Roast game birds with herbs: The robust structure of the Barolo pairs well with the savory and aromatic profile of game meat.
  • Aged Parmigiano Reggiano: Its nutty, salty character balances the wine’s tannins and bright acidity.

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.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2020)
Bright and lively red fruit character with dried flowers, stones and hints of tree resin. Medium-bodied, clean and focused on the palate, with fine tannins and a linear finish.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2019)
In the light cream-colored label, the 2019 Barolo is elegant and contained, showing a very focused and linear style that makes a great impression and awakens the senses. There is wild cherry, blue flower and crushes stone backed by balanced freshness and tannins.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 92 Points (2019)
The 2019 Barolo is a very serious wine. Readers looking for an easygoing, entry-level Barolo will not find that here. Bright and sizzling with tannin, the 2019 is going to need at least a few years to fully come together. Crushed rocks, red/purplish fruit and dried flowers emerge with some coaxing, but this is really a wine for the cellar. (AG) (1/2023)

Decanter (DCT) : 90 Points (2019)
Massolino classically ages all their Barolos in large Slavonian oak vessels. Fully focused on rose and violet, with fresh watermelon and a citrussy note enhanced by cinnamon and rhubarb, this Barolo is deliciously complex and classic for Serralunga, with crisp acidity and firm tannins wrapped up in flowery notes, leading to a dusty finish.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 94 Points (2018)
The Massolino family found that the 2018 growing season gave nebbiolo with high pH, prompting the difficult decision to forgo production of all of their single-MGA Barolos. They blended fruit from their most prestigious plots in Margheria, Parafada, Parussi and Vigna Rionda to make this wine, and it’s one worth seeking out for its depth, balance and freshness. The red cherry and berry flavors feel crunchy and taut, woven with hints of licorice and that rusty note typical of Serralunga.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2018)
This red packs loads of floral, strawberry, cherry and white pepper aromas and flavors. Slim and fruity for the most part yet with a solid underlying structure. Austere for now on the finish, but well balanced overall.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 95 Points (2017)
Camphor, wild berry, new leather and blue flower aromas emerge on the nose of this savory wine. Full-bodied and delicious, the structured palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, baking spice and a hint of menthol alongside firm, refined tannins. This is an incredible performance for what is the firm’s entry level Barolo. Drink 2023–2029. Editors’ Choice. 

Massolino Barolo Parussi 2020
Massolino Barolo Parussi 2020
Massolino
Barolo Parussi 2020
WE
93
VN
94
JS
95
Massolino Barolo Parussi 2020 is a powerful and expressive Barolo, offering structure, complexity, and a beautiful reflection of the unique terroir of Castiglione Falletto.
108,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Massolino Barolo Vigna Margheria 2019
Massolino Barolo Vigna Margheria 2019
Massolino
Barolo Vigna Margheria 2019
VN
96
WS
95
RP
93
The 1.7 hectare Margheria vineyard is located in Serralunga d’Alba at an altitude of 340 m asl. The soil is calcareous with a good percentage of sand, adding elegance, mineral and spicy notes to the wine.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Massolino Barolo Parussi 2012
Massolino Barolo Parussi 2012
Massolino
Barolo Parussi 2012
RP
92
JS
94
With its robust tannins, layered complexity, and elegant balance, this Barolo reflects the exceptional potential of Nebbiolo to translate the nuances of its microclimate and soil into a wine of remarkable character.
69,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
40,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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