Massolino Barolo 2022
The Wine
First produced in 1911, the fruit for Massolino's classic cuvée comes from seven hectares of prime-sited Serralunga vineyards. The most important of these—Briccolina, Collareto, Broglio and Le Turne—are dotted around the town itself; Le Turne borders Margheria, while Collareto lies next to Vigna Rionda. So, we are talking quality real estate! As in recent vintages, the blend also includes a little fruit from Massolino's Parussi Cru as well as some declassified Vigna Rionda. Vine age varies from roughly 10 to 55 years old. The grapes spent 10–12 days on the skins, with fermentation split between large wooden cask and concrete as before. The final blend matured for 30 months, this time across a broader range of vessels than 2021: 40- to 100-hl French (Gamba), Austrian (Stockinger, Schneckenleitner) and Slavonian (Garbellotto) oak, rather than large Slavonian casks alone. You will be amazed, as we so often are, by the quality that is being delivered at this price point. And don’t be scared to give it some air, or to age it another 5 or so years. It’s another terrific-value Barolo from Massolino.
91 Pts Antonio Galloni, Vinous ‘The 2022 Barolo is a fine introduction to the Barolos in the range. Crushed flowers, bright acids, small red berry fruit and a kick of white pepper lend energy throughout. Medium in body, svelte and nuanced, the 2022 Barolo is a model of finesse. Its balance and overall appeal are commendable.’
17++ points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com ‘Lustrous and healthy ruby. Great lift and perfume on the nose with a subtle saline note. Finely polished tannins and supple raspberry fruit. Great length and precision. Ready now but will hold.’
WINES DUE IN-STORE MID AUGUST 2026
Available for pre-purchase now!
The Details
Variety - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Piemonte
Sub Region - Barolo
Extra - Cork
Year - 2022
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
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 high-altitude chalky hillsides of Serrralunga d’Alba, on the eastern edge of the Barolo DOCG, produce some of the most profound and long-lived Barolo wines. It is the home of great names such as Giacomo Conterno and Bruno Giacosa’s Falletto vineyard. The wines often have an extra stuffing of intense Nebbiolo fruit as well as a remarkable minerality that plays on both the freshness of the tannins and gives the wines a certain ferrous edge when young.
There are many great things to write about Massolino, a family winery based in Serralunga d'Alba. As I reflect on these wines, I am struck by the harmony and perfection of the overall portfolio: the clear identity of each product and its placement within the Massolino quality pyramid and the crescendo of wines that culminates with a truly memorable single-vineyard Baroli and the top-shelf Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda. The portfolio has a few unexpected surprises too, such as a very elegant Moscato d'Asti and a cheerful Riesling.” Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
