Massolino Barolo 2019

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.

The Massolino Barolo 2019 is a true representation of the Barolo DOCG Classico, showcasing the unique characteristics offered by each terroir. With a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, this wine is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels, allowing it to maintain a purer and more forthright identity. In the glass, the Massolino Barolo 2019 displays a garnet red colour with variable intensity, depending on the vintage. The bouquet is a captivating blend of enticing spicy notes, as well as sweeter, floral and fruity aromas. This complexity is a result of the grapes sourced from different vineyards, offering a broad and variable spectrum of perfumes. On the palate, Massolino Barolo 2019 delivers a variety of sensations. It is a full-bodied, classic and well-structured wine that ages gracefully, perfectly reflecting the important character of the land. For the best experience, it is recommended to decant the wine and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C. The Massolino Barolo 2019 pairs exceptionally well with red meats, particularly game and dishes featuring truffle. It also complements fresh egg pasta with meat sauce, risotto, as well as medium-mature cow's milk and goat's milk cheeses.

The 2019 Barolo is a very serious wine. Readers looking for an easygoing, entry-level Barolo will not find that here. Bright and sizzling with tannin, the 2019 is going to need at least a few years to fully come together. Crushed rocks, red/purplish fruit and dried flowers emerge with some coaxing, but this is really a wine for the cellar. It is also probably the most reticent straight Barolo I tasted for this report. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 92 points.

Lots of lavender, raspberry and orange blossom aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a polished finish. Shows lovely drive and balance. Clear and fine. Drink after 2025. - James Suckling, 93 points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Piedmont
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%