Massolino Barolo Parafada 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Parafada cru is situated in the heart of Serralunga d'Alba, a commune renowned for producing Barolo of exceptional structure and ageing potential. At 320 metres above sea level, the vineyard lies on a ridge with a full southern exposure, ensuring optimal sunlight throughout the growing season. Its sheltered position, protected from prevailing winds, creates stable conditions that allow Nebbiolo to reach complete phenolic ripeness, producing grapes of exceptional concentration and balance. The soils here are of mixed texture but strongly calcareous, a characteristic that imparts minerality, firm tannins, and the capacity to evolve over decades.

Parafada covers a modest surface of just 1.2 hectares, making it the smallest of Massolino's crus but arguably the most emblematic. The vineyard is planted with Nebbiolo vines averaging 60 years of age, the oldest in the estate. These deeply rooted vines yield small quantities of grapes of remarkable intensity and complexity. First vinified as a single cru in 1990, Parafada has since established itself as one of the clearest expressions of Serralunga's identity, offering wines that are simultaneously powerful, austere, and elegant.

Winemaking

The vinification of Parafada reflects the traditional methods long associated with Barolo, designed to preserve Nebbiolo's authenticity and highlight its natural nobility. Grapes undergo a lengthy fermentation and maceration process in large oak fermenters (tini) at a controlled temperature of around 30 °C. This extended maceration encourages the extraction of deep colour, aromatic intensity, and firm tannins, laying the foundation for the wine's robust character.

After fermentation, the wine is transferred to large Slavonian oak casks, where it matures for up to 30 months. The use of these large vessels ensures slow and delicate oxygenation, integrating the structure of the wine without masking its purity of fruit. Once removed from cask, Parafada rests for about a year in bottle within the cool, dark cellars of the estate. This additional maturation refines the tannins and polishes the wine's complexity, enabling it to evolve with grace over decades while maintaining its austere elegance and depth.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet red with bright reflections that gradually evolve with maturity.
• Aroma: Complex and intense, marked by red fruits, floral tones, and spice. With age, layers of dried roses, tar, and herbs emerge.
• Palate: Full-bodied, robust, and austere, with firm tannins and lively acidity. Concentrated fruit and earthy complexity lead to a long and powerful finish.

Did you know?

Parafada is sourced from Massolino's oldest vineyard, planted with Nebbiolo around 60 years ago. Since its debut in 1990, it has been recognised as the cru that most faithfully represents Serralunga d'Alba's style, combining structure, austerity, and longevity. Often described as the "classic Serralunga," it exemplifies the commune's reputation for Barolo that marries depth with enduring elegance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Risotto al Barolo: The wine's depth and tannins reflect the richness of this Piedmontese classic.
• Roast veal with herbs: Its savoury complexity enhances delicate yet flavourful meat.
• Wild boar stew: Concentrated fruit and robust tannins stand up to the intensity of game.
• Aged Parmigiano Reggiano: The crystalline texture of the cheese balances the wine's austere structure.

History of Massolino

Founded in 1896 by Giovanni Massolino, the estate is one of the oldest and most iconic producers in Serralunga d'Alba, a commune revered for yielding the most powerful and long-lived Barolos. Giovanni, a pioneer for his time, was instrumental in introducing electricity to the village—an emblem of his progressive mindset, which would become a family trait.

In 1934, the estate joined the Consorzio per la Tutela del Barolo e Barbaresco, further cementing its leadership in promoting the Langhe's quality standards. The third generation—Giovanni, Camilla, and Renato—deepened the estate's commitment to crus, acquiring premier vineyards in Margheria, Parafada, and later the legendary Vigna Rionda. The fourth generation, represented by Franco and Roberto Massolino, has expanded the estate's holdings beyond Barolo to include Barbaresco and Moscato d'Asti, while continuing to honour its deep family roots and winemaking identity.

Massolino has never strayed from its core philosophy: wines must reflect their place. This is done through meticulous farming, minimal intervention in the cellar, and aging choices that highlight Nebbiolo's noble austerity.

Region and Vineyards

Massolino is based in Serralunga d'Alba, a commune in Barolo renowned for producing structured, intense, and age-worthy wines, largely due to its compact marl and limestone-rich soils from the Lequio formation. The estate cultivates 43 hectares of vines, primarily Nebbiolo, but also Dolcetto, Barbera, Chardonnay, and Moscato.

The crown jewel of Massolino's vineyard holdings is the Vigna Rionda cru, one of Barolo's most storied sites. South-west facing at around 330 metres altitude, this vineyard is celebrated for its complexity, mineral depth, and longevity. Here, the wines exhibit the hallmark structure of Serralunga, but with more finesse and aromatic layering.

In addition to Vigna Rionda, Massolino also owns plots in Parafada (south-facing, producing rich and spicy Barolo), Margheria (a cooler site with finesse and floral lift), and Parussi, a notable site in Castiglione Falletto that brings balance and elegance to the lineup.

In recent years, Massolino expanded into Barbaresco, acquiring vines in the Albesani MGA, further diversifying its expressions of Nebbiolo while maintaining the estate's stylistic signature of clarity and terroir expression.

Wine Range of Massolino

Massolino's wine range showcases both indigenous Piedmontese grapes and international varieties with site precision. Their flagship wines are the Barolo classico, produced from multiple sites in Serralunga, and the single-vineyard Barolo crus, notably Vigna Rionda Riserva, Margheria, Parafada, and Parussi.

In addition to Nebbiolo-based wines, the estate crafts Barbera d'Alba Gisep, Langhe Nebbiolo, Dolcetto d'Alba, and Langhe Chardonnay. Its Moscato d'Asti from vines in Castiglione Tinella reflects aromatic charm and impeccable freshness.

The wines are known for their precision, purity, and age-worthiness, with a stylistic leaning toward traditional winemaking: long macerations, aging in large Slavonian oak casks, and restrained use of new oak to preserve varietal and terroir expression.

Did you know?

Massolino was one of the first producers in Serralunga to bottle Barolo from a single cru—Vigna Rionda—in 1982, long before single-vineyard wines became the norm. This early commitment to terroir expression anticipated a broader shift in Barolo's identity.