Massolino Barolo 2018

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. 

The 2018 Barolo vintage was not one for the weak of heart. Chief among the perils was the region’s wettest spring on record, making work in the vineyard a hazardous affair. Then, there was a moderate start to summer, hail in August and inclement weather towards the end of September. The result was arguably Barolo’s most variable and inconsistent vintage in recent memory: the kind of challenging year we used to refer to as ‘a grower’s vintage’. Having said all this, Massolino has pulled something remarkable out of the hat. Instead of bottling the normal range of five outstanding Barolo wines, the estate has released only one, declassifying all of the cru wines into the Barolo Classico. 

Pure, yet savory, with a stony, mineral punch to the orange peel, strawberries and dried herbs. I love the clarity and the tautness on the palate, with elegant but gutsy flavors of minerals and fruit, together with firm tannins that show Barolo etherealness and power at the same time. Already approachable. Drink now or hold. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, 94 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Piedmont
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%