Massolino Vigna Rionda Barolo 2015 Magnum

Vigna Rionda is historically the most revered vineyard of Serralunga and the source of some of the greatest, finest and most long-lived Barolo. The Massolino family are the largest holders in Vigna Rionda with 3.5 hectares of vines (two are planted to Nebbiolo) between 40 and 50 years old. On some of the oldest terrain in Barolo, the soil here is similar to the Parafada vineyard, yet it is deeper and more complex again, with more limestone (up to 13%) and a higher concentration of minerals and oxidised iron elements. The altitude is 330 metres above sea level, and the protection from northern winds and frost provided by the south/southwest aspect results in a longer growing season than the other Crus. 

All these factors combine to produce a terroir that generates wines with an optimum balance of perfume, finesse and structure rarely found elsewhere in Barolo. They also produce wines with excellent acidity and tannins that require longer aging in both botti and bottle, and that is why Massolino’s Vigna Rionda is always released with a minimum six years of age. 

2015 was the second vintage that Massolino’s Vigna Rionda was fermented in large wooden cask. It spent 20 days on skins and 36 months in a combination of Slavonian and Austrian botti. It’s simply a gorgeous, layered and complex Barolo of the highest order. Already a brilliant drink, it will be even better in three to five years. 

“The 2015 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a magnificent wine that shows all the magic this site is so famous for. All the Rionda signatures open in the glass. Sweet dark cherry/plum, lavender, spice, mint and pine meld together in a sensual, beautifully layered Barolo that pushes all the right buttons. The 2015 is going to need a few years to soften, but it is undeniably vivid and arresting in its sheer allure.” 96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous