Massolino Margheria Barolo 2020

Natural cork. Margheria is one of Serralunga?s most important and illustrious sites. The Massolino family bought their first parcel here in 1964, and the remainder came online during the ?70s. The current holding is 1.5 hectares. Sitting 280 metres above sea level, Margheria is very chalky with a high percentage of sand (which brings elegance), while the high calcium carbonate content brings vibrant mineral energy to Serralunga?s natural depth.

As with all three 2020 Crus, Margheria fermented in large oak fermenters and spent around three weeks on skins. It then aged in botti for 30 months before bottling and remained in bottle for a further year before release. This is a benchmark release for this wine?a superb, open, fine-boned Margheria. As always, it?s pretty and perfumed yet has plenty of ripe fruit and fine structure. Importer?s notes.

?I like the freshness and vivid red-fruited character. Medium-bodied with firm, slightly chewy tannins. It?s compact and structured with a tense and lively aftertaste. Vivid and bright with hibiscus undertones to the orange and berry character. Try from 2027, but already very pretty.? 95 points, James Suckling, jamesuckling.com.

?The 2020 Barolo Margheria is a very pretty wine that shows the gentler side of the year. Dried herbs, menthol, incense, new leather and licorice all take shape in the glass. The 2020 is a soft, uncharacteristically open-knit Margheria that will drink well with only minimal cellaring.? 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.