Massolino Barolo Margheria 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.

Massolino's Margheria vineyard is a remarkable plot of land that holds a special place within the estate. Located in the prestigious Barolo region in Piedmont, Italy, this vineyard is renowned for producing exceptional wines that showcase the true essence of the Nebbiolo grape. Situated within the Serralunga d'Alba commune, Margheria vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate and soil composition that contribute to the distinct character of its wines. The soil consists of mixed consistency, tending towards limestone, which imparts a unique minerality to the grapes grown here. The Margheria vineyard has a rich history, with its first production dating back to 1947. This long-standing tradition is reflected in the meticulous care and attention given to the cultivation of the vines. Massolino believes in crafting wines that express the terroir, and the Margheria vineyard plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. The grapes harvested from Margheria undergo traditional vinification and aging processes that highlight the true potential of the Nebbiolo varietal. The grapes are carefully fermented and macerated in oak fermenters at controlled temperatures, allowing for optimal extraction of flavors and tannins. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in large Slavonian oak casks for up to 30 months, further enhancing its complexity and structure. Massolino's Margheria wines are known for their elegance, power and longevity. Massolino's Margheria vineyard represents a true gem within the Barolo region, producing exceptional wines that embody the essence of the Nebbiolo grape and the unique characteristics of the land. 

The Massolino Barolo Margheria 2019 is a historic wine that embodies elegance and minerality, showcasing the true essence of the Margheria vineyard. This Barolo DOCG draws its character from the calcareous soil, enriched with a slightly higher percentage of sand compared to other subzones. First crafted in 1985, this wine exhibits great ageing potential, reminiscent of the renowned Barolo wines of Serralunga. Crafted from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the A.G.M. "Margheria" vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba, this wine reflects the unique terroir of the region. Situated at an altitude of 280 meters above sea level, the vineyard spans across 1.5 hectares, allowing for meticulous cultivation. The calcareous soil composition, with a small percentage of sand, contributes to the wine's distinctive character. With an average age of 40 years, the vines yield grapes that undergo traditional vinification and ageing processes, perfectly complementing their outstanding characteristics. The grapes are fermented and macerated in oak fermenters at temperatures around 30°C, followed by aging in large Slavonian oak casks for up to 30 months. The wine is then left to mature in bottle for approximately a year in special dark, cool cellars.

In the glass, Massolino Barolo Margheria 2019 displays a deep garnet red colour, alluring and inviting. The bouquet is ethereal, offering enticing notes of spice, tobacco and brushwood, intertwined with important mineral nuances. On the palate, this wine is a classic and harmonious expression of Nebbiolo, with well-integrated tannins that showcase its potential for ageing. It is recommended to decant and serve this wine at temperatures between 18-20°C, allowing its flavors to fully unfold. Massolino Barolo Margheria 2019 is an important wine that encapsulates the history and talents of the land. It pairs exceptionally well with rich dishes such as roast red meats or game stew, where its robustness shines through. It also complements medium-mature and mature cheeses, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The 2019 Barolo Margheria is a classic Serralunga Barolo. Deep, savory and wonderfully complex, the Margheria offers up a compelling mix of red/purplish fruit, sage, menthol, licorice, dried flowers, graphite and melted road tar. Muscular tannins wrap it all together. The 2019 is seriously impressive. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 96 points.

Rich, cherry, liquorice root, rose petal, a little clay and almond. Full-bodied, but such a lovely carriage and weight, succulent, so much flesh to tannin, kind of meaty and earthy, with some sage and dried herb, and a long charcoal laced finish. It has some sap and energy too, and a spicy aftertaste. I like the ‘mineral’ component of this wine too, though I feel Parafada has the edge on it in 2019, though of course they are both equally valid and different expressions of Serralunga. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 95+ Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Piedmont
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%