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Massolino (Vigna Rionda)

Founded in 1896 by Giovanni Massolino (whose name features more prominently on the labels than Vigna Rionda), this estate is today run by his son Giuseppe Massolino. Giuseppe in turn oversees the work of his two sons, Giovanni and Renato, who guide practices in the vineyards and cellar respectively. There is a third generation also involved, as Giuseppe's grandson Franco has trained as an oenologist and has a hand in the winemaking. It was Franco who introduced the use of barrique, in small amounts, in the cellar.

The range of wines include a basic Barolo cuvée, but it is the single vineyard crus which are the most sought after wines. These vineyards are all located in the Serralunga d'Alba region, and include Barolo Parafada, Barolo Rionda and Barolo Margheria. In addition there are other varietal wines, including Langhe Chardonnay, Dolcetto Barilot and Barbera d'Alba Gisep, among others. (11/8/03)

Contact details:
Address: Piazza Capellano 8, 12050 Serralunga d'Alba
Telephone: +39 0173 613138
Fax: +39 0173 613138

Massolino - Tasting Notes

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Massolino Barbera d'Alba Gisep 2005: This has a rather closed-down nose. but there is a fine textual quality to the palate. It is gently creamy, full, stylish, with a gentle balance of acidity. There is even some apparent bright fruit on the finish, more than the nose suggested I would find here. It is difficult to judge definitively in this state but all the components seem to be here. Potentially very good. From a Liberty Wines tasting. 16+/20 (February 2008)

Massolino Barolo 2004: At the moment this wine is not very expressive, showing just some slightly sour cherry aroma on the nose, with a gentle, chalky character alongside. There is, perhaps, also a little animal fur quality to it. But it does not yet have a real wealth of secondary character. The palate is broad, complete, a touch chalky, but quite dense with an elegant lift. This has a nice character. Very good potential. From a Liberty Wines tasting. 16.5+/20 (February 2008)

Massolino Barolo 1996: A moderately dense colour, with some pink-orange notes at the rim. The nose is haunting, with dense, perfumed fruit backed up by an intense cherry-wood, gamey-leathery character which attempts (and probably succeeds) to defy description. Closed at present on the palate, but there is an appealing velvety texture, a rich mouthfeel, and plenty of firm structure courtesy of a core of tannin. A sugary-sweet edge, with cherry stone flavours and soft acidity. Short finish. This one needs another three to five years in the cellar. 16.5+/20 (August 2003) Label

Massolino Barolo Parafada 1996: A slightly less dense, although more vibrant, hue than the basic Barolo from this estate (tasted last week). An exotic, enticing nose, densely perfumed, full of parma violets over a layer of liquorice and cigar box with notes of black fruits and oak. Most impressive on the palate is the lush, wanton texture and warm, rounded mouthfeel. Sweet, ripe black fruit and liquorice flavours. Balanced, quite fluid, despite a firm structure. It needs food at present, but a better option would be to squirrel it away for some time. It has a firm core of tannin which will see it improve in the cellar for five years at least. 16.5+/20 (August 2003) Label