Product Description:
The most graceful of Massolino’s Barolos. From the Margheria cru in Serralunga d’Alba, this single-vineyard wine has long been admired for its finesse. The site, planted at around 340 metres on calcareous and sandy soils, covers just over a hectare yet produces wines of remarkable character—structured and age-worthy, yet distinguished by a distinctive elegance within the Massolino range.
Harvested by hand in mid-October, the fruit undergoes a traditional long fermentation and maceration before ageing for 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks. Bottled and matured further in dark, cool cellars, the 2021 Margheria reflects both the power of its terroir and Massolino’s commitment to purity and restraint. With a drinking horizon of up to 25 years, it is a cru Barolo that rewards patience while already showing its perfumed detail.
The Maker
Massolino is one of the most revered names in Piemonte, known for producing exceptional Barolo and Nebbiolo wines that express the unique character of the region’s vineyards. Founded in 1896 by Giovanni Massolino, the estate’s legacy has been built on a rich history of innovation and dedication to quality. Giovanni, a visionary who brought electricity to the town of Serralunga d'Alba, laid the foundation for what would become a celebrated estate in one of Italy's most prestigious wine regions.
The estate is now under the guidance of Franco and Roberto Massolino, with the winemaking led by Franco’s son, Sebastien. Sebastien has played a key role in driving the estate forward since he took over the operations in 2006, introducing organic farming practices and refining the winemaking process to showcase the pure expression of their terroirs. Massolino’s commitment to quality is evident in every bottle, from their prestigious Barolo to their Nebbiolo-based wines, which offer unparalleled balance, elegance, and depth. Today, Massolino continues to be a family-owned winery, with Sebastien and his team working tirelessly to uphold the tradition of excellence and precision that has defined Massolino for over a century.
Philosophy
At Massolino, the philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land and the grapevine, with a commitment to preserving the integrity of their terroirs while enhancing the natural characteristics of each vintage. Sebastien Massolino and his team embrace organic farming practices, prioritising sustainability and environmental stewardship to ensure that each wine is a true reflection of the land from which it originates. The use of minimal intervention winemaking methods allows the vineyard’s potential to shine through, creating wines that are both expressive and balanced.
In the cellar, Massolino adopts a hands-off approach, allowing nature to take its course with as little manipulation as possible. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts, and the wines are aged in a combination of new and old oak, ensuring that the fruit remains the focal point. The estate produces a range of wines that offer both finesse and power, capturing the essence of Barolo’s iconic terroirs with precision and elegance. The wines of Massolino are a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing the estate's dedication to quality, purity, and authenticity, while also embracing the evolution of winemaking in the 21st century.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Perfumed and mineral
Wild rose, perfumed berries, herbal lift, with touches of orange peel, flint, and granite.
PALATE
– Silky and radiant
Raspberry compote, strawberries, anise, mint, and hints of blood orange framed by refined tannins and vivid acidity.
FINISH
– Glossy and poised
Chalky, long-lined, and balanced, with a lingering mineral edge.
Reviews & Accolades
“Always the most elegant of the Massolino Barolos, the 2021 Margheria stuns with enticing scents of wild roses, perfumed berries, botanical herbs, and whiffs of freshly tilled soil. Classy and utterly delicious.”
Kerin O’Keefe – 96 points
“Aromas of forest berry and wild cherry with candied orange, flint, and crushed granite. Toasted aniseed at the back. Silky, long tannins with a glossy sheen to the finish.”
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate – 96 points
“Lovely aromas of blueberries, pine resin, orange rind, and a touch of lavender. Medium- to full-bodied with supple tannins and a seductive, tender, well-integrated fruit profile.”
James Suckling – 96 points
“Transparent red hue, sweetly perfumed bouquet of preserved strawberries, purple flowers, herbes de Provence, and sweet herbs. Tension and fine coiled tannins carry through to an elegant finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck – 94 points
“Brisk, vibrant young Barolo. Crushed rocks, slate, white pepper, orange peel, and red-toned fruit—nicely delineated and energetic.”
Antonio Galloni, Vinous – 93 points
Finer Details:
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Piedmont, Barolo DOCG (Serralunga d’Alba, Margheria cru)
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
Closure - Cork
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