Massolino Barolo Parussi 2020

Region and Vineyards

For Barolo Parussi, Massolino expands beyond its traditional base in Serralunga d'Alba to the neighboring Castiglione Falletto, specifically in the Parussi cru, renowned for its outstanding terroir.

The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 290 meters and covers 1.65 hectares on the crest of a hill. The southeastern and southwestern exposure ensures perfect sunlight, ideal for ripening Nebbiolo grapes, while the calcareous soils contribute to the wine's robust structure and firm tannins.

The 2020 growing season began with a mild winter, minimal snowfall, and an early start to vegetation. Despite minor frost damage early on, the season progressed favorably with steady rains from May to July. These rains replenished the soils, preventing hydric stress during summer. By late summer, cooler nights slowed ripening, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal phenolic maturity, acidity, and pH balance.

This careful vineyard management produced healthy, high-quality grapes, and the 2020 vintage is celebrated for its exceptional structure, freshness, and tannic elegance.

Winemaking

The Nebbiolo grapes are harvested by hand and vinified following traditional Barolo methods. Fermentation and long maceration occur in large oak fermenters (“tini”) at controlled temperatures around 30°C. This process extracts the aromatic richness and tannic backbone characteristic of the variety.

The wine is aged for up to 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks, a hallmark of classic Barolo production. It then matures for a further year in bottle in cool, dark cellars to refine its flavors and structure.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet red with bright hues that evolve gracefully with age.
• Aroma: Intense and complex, offering a broad spectrum of notes. Fresh red fruit, including cherries and raspberries, intertwines with floral hints of rose and violet, complemented by subtle spices such as clove and anise.
• Palate: Robust and rich, with firm tannins, vibrant acidity, and remarkable structure. The wine shows elegance and power, delivering layers of ripe red fruit, earthy undertones, and a hint of tobacco. It promises a long and evolving finish, revealing its full potential with age.

Did You Know?

The Parussi vineyard represents a special choice for Massolino, as it is the only cru sourced outside their home of Serralunga d'Alba. The Nebbiolo grapes from Parussi uniquely capture the terroir’s calcareous soils and perfect exposure, producing wines of finesse and structure that are ideal for long-term aging.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Risotto al Barolo: The wine’s elegance and complexity pair beautifully with this classic Piedmont dish, highlighting its richness.
• Braised beef or lamb shank: The robust tannins and earthy undertones complement the richness and depth of slow-cooked meats.
• Tajarin with truffle: The wine’s vibrant red fruit and subtle spice elevate the aromatic elegance of fresh truffles.
• Aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino: The wine’s structure and acidity balance the sharp, nutty flavors 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.