Massolino Barolo 2021

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. We are talking quality real estate. The 2021 also includes a little fruit from Massolino’s Parussi Cru as well as some declassified Vigna Rionda! Vine age varies from 10 to 55 years. Half of this Barolo was fermented in large wooden cask, the other half in concrete. The final blend matured for up to 30 months in large, Slavonian oak casks.

From the first sip it is obvious we are dealing with a brilliant release of this wine. So much finesse, so much perfume, so much intensity and length. There is great potential here, yet the wine is already so delicious, with ribbons of sweet, complex fruit shot through with ultra-fine tannins, complexed by smoke and loads of spice. It has excellent structure and freshness yet tremendous elegance. Give it some air, or some time in bottle, and you will be amazed at what is being delivered at this price point. And don’t be scared to age it 5 to 10 years. It’s another brilliant-value wine from Massolino. 

Pale, bright ruby red. Earth plum, cherry, touch of leather, dried flowers. I remember the 2020 which was a beautiful softie. This wine reeks of the quality classic vintage. There is more structure and depth. It’s very well balanced. Yet still perfect elegance and freshness.  It’s fits in as a very good Barolo at a more affordable price. Ian Cook, Five Way Cellars. 

“The Massolino 2021 Barolo reveals a shiny ruby color and a core of dark fruit. Beyond the plummy fruit is tar, licorice, pressed flower and campfire ash. This wine has a pronounced savory side, yet it all fits squarely into a very delicate and finessed delivery. This is a pretty example of the vintage.” 94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

“The 2021 Barolo is a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino. Pliant and expressive, with notable depth, the Barolo is super-impressive. Macerated dark cherry, spice, lavender, menthol and blood orange all build in the glass. What a gorgeous and complete wine this is. The straight Barolo is, without question, the hidden gem in this range.” 92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous