Massolino Barbera d'Alba 2022
The Wine
Massolino's two hectares of Barbera, nestled in the limestone-abundant vineyards of Serralunga, are now enhanced with grapes from Monforte d'Alba. The 2022 vintage underwent fermentation for 10 to 12 days in cement tanks and matured briefly in the same containers before bottling and release. It boasts a profound and unadulterated palate, marked by fine tannins and lively acidity. The finish is zesty, aromatic, and persistent, making this release another exceptional value wine.
“...Massolino is a producer that falls into a small, elite group. It not only delivers admirable top-end nebbiolo wines, which is ultimately what it will be judged on, but it also makes a near-perfect range that starts with the delicious dolcetto and runs seamlessly though the barbera, to basic nebbiolo before arriving at the top tier wines.” Nick Stock, Gourmet Traveller Wine
The Details
Variety - Barbera
Country - Italy
Region - Piemonte
Sub Region - Alba
Extra - Screwcap
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
