Tasting notes:
Bright garnet red, this wine is intensely floral in its youth and develops a seductive bouquet with age. Probably the most potent of all the Massolino wines, it perfectly summarises the essential characteristics of Barolo, with grand structure, excellent alcohol concentration and tannins capable of long ageing. The palate opens up gradually and becomes most expressive six years after harvest, when it is released for sale.
Vineyards:
Grapes for this wine were grown in the 2.3 hectare 'Vigna Rionda' vineyard, which is one of 35 recognised Serralunga crus. Situated mid-slope at 330 metres above sea level, the vineyard is at an ideal altitude for Nebbiolo and is protected from northern winds by the Castelletto hills. The marl-limestone mix of soils, together with the microclimate, enables the production of wines with an optimum balance of structure, aroma and finesse. The vines are Guyot trained and are planted at a density of 5,000 to 6,000 vines per hectare. The average yield is 45 hectolitres per hectare and the vines are 30-50 years old.
Vinification:
'Vigna Rionda' is a classic style of Barolo, made using traditional vinification techniques. Fermentation and maceration lasted 25-30 days at temperatures between 31 and 33°C. The wine was aged for four years four in traditional, large Slavonian oak barrels. The wine was then kept for another two years in bottle before release.
