Massolino Barolo Parussi 2012

Region and Vineyards

The Parussi vineyard is located in the Castiglione Falletto cru, marking the only Barolo in the Massolino lineup made outside of Serralunga d’Alba. The vineyard sits at an altitude of 290 meters and covers 1.65 hectares of prime hillside.

The south-eastern and south-western exposures ensure ideal sunlight, fostering the full ripening of Nebbiolo grapes. The vineyard's calcareous soil, combined with its mixed composition, imparts structure and strong tannins, essential characteristics of a classic, long-lived Barolo. The vines average 40 years of age, offering complexity and concentration in the resulting wine.

The microclimate of Castiglione Falletto delivers a different profile than Serralunga d'Alba’s Barolos, with more refined tannins and a focus on elegance while retaining depth and power.

Winemaking

Massolino employs a traditional approach to vinification, capturing the purity and authenticity of the Nebbiolo variety:

• Fermentation and maceration are conducted in oak fermenters (tini) over an extended period, at controlled temperatures of approximately 30°C.
• The wine is aged for up to 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by a further year of bottle aging in dark, cool cellars. This meticulous process develops the wine’s structure and integrates its tannins and flavors seamlessly.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet red with vibrant, shimmering reflections.
• Aroma: Ethereal and enveloping, offering persistent notes of sweet spices, sandalwood, tobacco, and leather, intertwined with Nebbiolo’s hallmark floral and red fruit aromas.
• Palate: Full-bodied with remarkable structure and firm tannins that soften over time. The flavor profile showcases layers of ripe red fruit, earthy undertones, and delicate spice, leading to a long, persistent finish characteristic of Barolos from Castiglione Falletto.

Did You Know?

The Parussi vineyard represents a groundbreaking move for Massolino, extending their focus beyond Serralunga d’Alba to leverage the diversity of Castiglione Falletto’s terroir. This single-vineyard Barolo exemplifies the ability of Nebbiolo to highlight subtle differences in soil and microclimate across Piedmont.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Agnolotti del Plin with butter and sage: The wine’s firm tannins and earthy notes balance the richness of this traditional Piedmont pasta dish.
• Braised veal shanks (Ossobuco): The Barolo’s structure and spice elevate the dish’s tender, savory flavors.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: The wine’s complex aromas complement the earthy, creamy flavors of this classic pairing.
• Aged Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano: Its acidity and robust tannins balance the nutty, salty character of these hard cheeses.

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.