The first wine cellar was built by Giuseppe, son of the founder Giovanni, who, together with his sister Angela, extended his estate into the best soils and, in 1934, was one of the founders of the Consortium for the Defence of Barolo and Barbaresco. At that time, Giuseppe had six children. Three of them, Giovanni, Camilla and Renato, followed in their father’s footsteps, expanding the estate with the purchase of cru vineyards which are authentic jewels: Margheria, Parafada and Vigna Rionda.

 

Massolino wines are the result of a privileged relationship with the vineyard, interpreting all its peculiarities and nuances. A relationship built up day by day, personally supervising every moment in the production chain in all twenty three hectares of the estate. From the vineyard to the cellar, from the vine to the bottle.

 

The vineyard situated in “Vigna Rionda” (sheet no. 8, land parcels 79-80-81-82-84-85-86) is in one of the best positions in Serralunga: when Giovanni and Renato Massolino decided to buy it, they chose to exchange it for a larger vineyard. Set at an altitude of 330 m above sea level, it occupies a total surface area of 2.3 hectares. This vineyard too is made up of marly lime soil, which produces an important, potent wine, suitable for long ageing.

 

Robert Parker 95+: "The 2006 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is young – very young. Currently the fruit remains quite primary and the aromatics have yet to develop. Still, it is impossible not to admire the wine’s structure and the sheer integrity of its fruit. I especially like the way the 2006 continues to open up as it sits in the glass. This is a hugely promising wine from the Massolino brothers, but readers will have to be patient. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031."

 

Wine Spectator 94: "A fresh, bracing red, whose assertive structure sets the pace for pure floral, cherry, leather, underbrush, mint and tobacco flavors. This has an iron note, with muscular tannins and a long, long finish. Really shows the density of the vintage. Best from 2015 through 2028. 200 cases imported.