Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2022 375ml (Half-Bottle)

Screwcap. Three sources here. First, Massolino’s younger vines in Serralunga—in other words, declassified Barolo fruit. Then, Monforte’s Cascina I Maschi (Massolino credits this cool, chalky site with giving the wine lifted perfume and freshness). And finally, a parcel in Alba on lighter, sandy-clay soils, bringing generosity of fruit. The blend is roughly one-third from each of these areas, and there’s little doubt the sum of these parts brings even more finesse and early-drinking appeal to what has always been an outstanding Langhe Nebbiolo.

The 2022 is another gorgeous release from this label. It is a pure-fruited, pretty wine (suggesting strawberry, cherry, violet, anise) with ripe, chalky tannins and a terrific, perfumed finish spiked with graphite-like minerality. Following very gentle extraction, it aged in large Slavonian oak casks for 15 months, as opposed to 24-plus months for the Barolo wine. To call this a bargain is to grossly understate the case! Importer’s notes.

This is young vine Serralunga, some Monforte, and some Alba. I think 2022 has delivered some pretty good and juicy wines that may well drink well earlier, but they do have substance and interest. Importer: Bibendum

This is fruit-driven and doesn’t get weighed down by winemaking. It’s bright and flavoursome, strawberry, red cherry, peanuts, mint and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, juicy and lively, with a lick of emery board tannin, a delicious succulence to it, and such high drinking appeal, and the finish is fresh with something of a blood orange tang and good length. It’s a lovely glass of Nebbiolo and speaks of place. Massolino have pulled a rabbit out of the hat this vintage! 

Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Perfumed with red cherry and cooking spice. Light liquorice and mint undertones bringing a nicely weighted Nebbiolo with fruit and tannin balance.
Mitch Milicich, FWC.