Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2017

Nestled in the heart of the Langhe region in Piedmont, Italy, lies the renowned Massolino Winery. With a rich history dating back over 120 years, this family-owned estate has become a symbol of excellence in winemaking, capturing the essence of the land and the spirit of the region. Founded in 1896 by Giovanni Massolino, the winery has been passed down through four generations, each contributing their unique expertise and passion for producing exceptional wines. Today, Franco and Roberto Massolino, the great-grandsons of Giovanni, continue the family legacy leading the winery with unwavering dedication and commitment to quality. One of the key factors that sets Massolino Winery apart is its prime vineyard locations. Spread across 23 hectares, the estate boasts vineyards in some of the most prestigious crus in the Langhe, including the iconic Serralunga d'Alba and Castiglione Falletto. These vineyards, with their diverse soil compositions and microclimates, provide the perfect terroir for cultivating Nebbiolo, the grape variety that gives birth to the legendary Barolo wines. Massolino Winery has gained a reputation for crafting exceptional expressions of Barolo wine. With meticulous attention to detail, the winemakers at Massolino harness the full potential of the Nebbiolo grape, creating wines that are elegant, structured and age-worthy. From the flagship Barolo "Margheria" to the single-vineyard "Parafada" and "Vigna Rionda," each bottle tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the land. Apart from Barolo, Massolino Winery also produces a range of other remarkable wines. Their Barbera d'Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba and Langhe Chardonnay showcase the winery's diverse portfolio, offering a glimpse into the versatility and finesse that define their winemaking approach. These wines, while distinct in character, all share a common thread of excellence and a commitment to reflecting the true essence of the grapes. At Massolino Winery, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. While respecting the heritage and winemaking techniques of the past, the winery embraces modern technology and practices to ensure the highest quality standards. From the careful selection of grapes to the gentle vinification process and the extended aging in large oak barrels, every step is meticulously executed to produce wines that are a true expression of the land and the vintage. Massolino Winery stands as a testament to the power of family, tradition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Massolino Winery is not just a winery; it is a celebration of the Langhe's winemaking heritage and a journey into the world of extraordinary wines that captivate the senses and leave an indelible mark on the palate.

Barolo wine, often referred to as the "King of Wines," is a highly esteemed red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo is known for its bold and complex character, characterized by intense aromas of roses, tar and red fruits. With its powerful tannins and high acidity, Barolo wines age exceptionally well, developing rich flavors of dried fruit, earth and spice over time. A symbol of tradition and elegance, Barolo is a wine that demands respect and is often considered one of Italy's greatest expressions of winemaking.

Vigna Rionda is an exceptional single vineyard site, covering a mere 2.3 hectares, and is located in the prestigious Serralunga d'Alba commune. Its south-facing exposure, coupled with an altitude of approximately 360 meters above sea level, creates the perfect conditions for cultivating Nebbiolo grapes that possess unparalleled complexity and depth. The soil of Vigna Rionda is a mosaic of calcareous marl and sand, providing a unique foundation for the vines to flourish. The combination of these distinct soil characteristics imparts a distinctive mineral quality to the resulting wines, further enhancing their elegance and finesse. At Massolino, the vineyard is meticulously managed with great respect for tradition and the environment. The vines, with an average age of 40 years, are carefully tended to by skilled hands, ensuring optimal fruit development and concentration. The winemaking team employs traditional vinification techniques, allowing the intrinsic qualities of the grapes to shine through. Vigna Rionda is a wine that rewards patience, as it possesses tremendous ageing potential. With proper cellaring, it will continue to evolve and develop, unveiling new layers of complexity over time.

The Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2017 is a remarkable wine made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the prestigious "Vigna Rionda" Me.G.A. in Serralunga d'Alba. Situated at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level, the vineyard spans across a total surface area of 3 hectares. The soil composition is characterized by mixed consistency, contributing to the unique qualities of this wine. With an average vine age of up to 50 years, the Vigna Rionda vineyard has been producing exceptional wines since its first vintage in 1982. The vinification and ageing process of this Barolo are steeped in tradition. The grapes undergo a long fermentation and maceration in oak vats at a temperature of around 30°C. Subsequently, the wine is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for up to 42 months, followed by an additional 24 months of ageing in the bottle. The soil and microclimate of the Vigna Rionda hillside create the perfect conditions for the production of structured and complex wines. The traditional vinification methods employed enhance the inherent qualities of this Cru, respecting its natural predisposition for long ageing while emphasizing the elegance and depth that only this vineyard can deliver. In terms of tasting characteristics, the Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2017 exhibits a bright garnet red colour. The bouquet is a sensory journey, starting with the early years' notes of red fruits and flowers and evolving into more mature nuances of brushwood, tobacco and spices. These captivating aromas gradually unfold and develop in the glass, offering a harmonious experience. On the palate, Vigna Rionda stands apart as a unique Barolo, defying simple description and challenging comparison even within the Serralunga area. This wine embodies complexity, longevity and structure, all elegantly intertwined. To fully appreciate its potential, a little patience is required, as it remains in the cellars until its sixth year, making it the sole Riserva in Massolino's range. We recommend decanting and serving it at a temperature of 18-20°C.

The 2017 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is flat out stunning. All the purest essence of Rionda comes through in a captivating Barolo that dazzles. Sweet red cherry fruit, kirsch, rose petal, licorice and blood orange are some of the many aromas and flavors that lift from the glass. Exotic and racy, the 2017 is a flat-out stunner. Now, for the million dollar question. Is it better than the 2016? Right now, I give an edge to the 2017 for its greater finesse and total sense of exotic beauty. But time will be the judge. I do look forward to tasting the 2016 and 2017 side by side! - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 98 points.

Bright red cherry, mint, potpourri, new leather, liquorice root. So fragrant. Fresh, very fine, tannin has a succulence, and they sit so well within the wine, melting through its core. Red fruits (strawberry in particular), tea and blood orange, and a superb long finish of precision and freshness. A beautiful expression of Vigna Rionda, and one that belies the heat of the vintage. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 97 points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Piedmont
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%