Description
Founded in 1896 by the enterprising Giovanni Massolino—he was the first to bring electricity to the town—the estate is based in and around the town of Serralunga d’Alba, one of the prime sub-zones of Barolo.
Today, the keys of this historical estate belong to Franco and Roberto Massolino who work with gifted, ex-Vajra winemaker Giovanni Angeli.
Behind Massolino’s rise to the apex of Barolo lies their remarkable collections of Serralunga vineyards, including choice parcels of such famous sites as; Margheria, Parafada and the legendary Vigna Rionda where the Massolino family is the largest holders with 3.5 hectares of vines (two are planted to Nebbiolo) between 40 and 50 years old.
Outside of this commune, Massolino also tends vines in the great Parussi Cru of Castiglione Falletto.
This wine just gets better and better.
Early vintages of the Nebbiolo were sourced exclusively from Massolino’s younger vines in Serralunga–a declassified Barolo if you like.
Today there are two more parcels in play: Monforte’s Cascina I Maschi vineyard lies at altitude right on the border of the Barolo area where the soils are rich in chalk (Massolino credits this cool site with the resultant vibrant perfume and ripe acidity); then there’s a parcel in Alba on lighter, sandy clay soils, which brings power and fruit concentration.
Massolino envisages its Langhe Nebbiolo as a ‘baby Barolo’.
The winemaking is no different, other than a shorter maceration and ageing (just 12 months in Slavonian oak).
Restrained and complex, the moderate temperature of fermentation seems to jump out of the glass with a peachy aroma enhanced by a strawberry vibrancy and savoury liquorice in depth.
This Nebbiolo is focused on delicacy, showing ripe tannins with a dusty finish and refreshing, integrated acidity.
Incredibly precise and signature definition, with a moderate length.
– Aldo Fiordelli, Decanter The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Nebbiolo Country – Italy Region – Piedmont Vintage – 2020 Bottle Size – 1.5L Magnum ABV – 14.5% Closure – Screw Cap
