There are many great things to write about Massolino, a family winery based in Serralunga d'Alba. As I reflect on these wines, I am struck by the harmony and perfection of the overall portfolio.
— Monica Lerner, The Wine Advocate
We are excited to introduce you to the next addition in to Piedmont portfolio: Massolino of Serralunga d’Alba. This family-owned winery has been crafting Barolo of exceptional character for generations.
Based in the heart of the village of Serralunga, Massolino is a historical estate managed by Franco Massolino. The estate was established in 1896 by Franco’s great-grandfather, and its running has been deeply interwoven throughout different generations. Charming and open yet reflective, Franco combines a willingness to challenge assumptions with a deeply-felt sense of responsibility to his family legacy. This legacy, in his view, is to faithfully represent the wines and unique heritage of the region. To give the purest expression of the grape, vinification is traditional, with fermentation and maceration for around 21 days in temperature-controlled, open oak fermenters called tini. The wine is aged in large Slovenian oak botti – no oak toast, just steamed – for up to 30 months before being left to mature in bottle.
The village of Serralunga d’Alba is on the eastern edge of the Barolo DOCG and is renowned for producing Barolos with exceptional structure and firm tannins. This is largely due to the composition of the soil, which is rich in limestone and marl. This soil contributes to the wine’s density and aging potential. Due to their structure and tannin levels, Barolos from Serralunga are often celebrated for their ability to age gracefully. Many of these wines can evolve and improve over decades. While other Barolo communes have their own distinct characteristics, Serralunga d’Alba stands out for its ability to produce wines that are powerful, complex, and built for the long haul.
Although Massolino produces a range of Barolos (they have the largest holding in one of Barolo’s most celebrated MGAs; Vigna Rionda), we have concentrated on their entry-level offerings. In our opinion these wines represent some of the best value to be had in Piedmont.
Massolino excels with a range of entry-level offerings that offer fabulous quality and value. Bravo.
Traditional winemaking, which undergoes a two week period of fermentation and maceration with ageing in large Slavonian oak casks for over a year.
“The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo is a gorgeous entry-level wine from Massolino. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and a kick of orange peel all grace this exquisite, inviting wine. The 2021 spent a year in cask, longer than required for Barbaresco, for reference. 91pt”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel lasting around a week. This is followed by a few months of maturation in stainless steel and cement.
“The 2022 Dolcetto d’Alba is a beautifully fragrant wine. Crushed flowers, mint and red/purplish fruit all grace this understated, classy Dolcetto. Balance and harmony are very much present. 90pt”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel lasting around 10-12 days. This is unwooded wine in order to ensure it is vinous, fresh and well balanced.
“The 2022 Barbera d’Alba is laced with super-ripe dark red cherry/plum fruit, kirsch, mint, blood orange and sweet spice. Exotic and forward, with fine balance, the 2022 has quite a bit to offer. 90pt”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous
A blend of different Barolo vineyards, this Barolo Classico from Massolino represents the synthesis of the different characteristics offered by each terroir. Aged in large Slavonian oak barrels to maintain a purer and more forthright identity.
First year of production: 1947.
Vinification and ageing: traditional Barolo with long fermentation and maceration in oak fermenters (“tini”) at temperatures around 30°C; the wine is aged in large Slavonian oak casks for up to 30 months before being left to mature in bottles placed in special dark, cool cellars.
Franco Massolino feels that 2019 is a more traditional vintage: one with complexity, powerful tannins, lovely purity, and one capable of great longevity.
“The 2019 Barolo is a very serious wine. Readers looking for an easygoing, entry-level Barolo will not find that here. Bright and sizzling with tannin, the 2019 is going to need at least a few years to fully come together. Crushed rocks, red/purplish fruit and dried flowers emerge with some coaxing, but this is really a wine for the cellar. It is also probably the most reticent straight Barolo I tasted for this report. 92pt”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Lots of lavender, raspberry and orange blossom aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a polished finish. Shows lovely drive and balance. Clear and fine. Drink after 2025. 93 pt”
— jamessuckling.com
MASSOLINO, Piedmont
There are many great things to write about Massolino, a family winery based in Serralunga d'Alba. As I reflect on these wines, I am struck by the harmony and perfection of the overall portfolio.
— Monica Lerner, The Wine Advocate
We are excited to introduce you to the next addition in to Piedmont portfolio: Massolino of Serralunga d’Alba. This family-owned winery has been crafting Barolo of exceptional character for generations.
Based in the heart of the village of Serralunga, Massolino is a historical estate managed by Franco Massolino. The estate was established in 1896 by Franco’s great-grandfather, and its running has been deeply interwoven throughout different generations. Charming and open yet reflective, Franco combines a willingness to challenge assumptions with a deeply-felt sense of responsibility to his family legacy. This legacy, in his view, is to faithfully represent the wines and unique heritage of the region. To give the purest expression of the grape, vinification is traditional, with fermentation and maceration for around 21 days in temperature-controlled, open oak fermenters called tini. The wine is aged in large Slovenian oak botti – no oak toast, just steamed – for up to 30 months before being left to mature in bottle.
The village of Serralunga d’Alba is on the eastern edge of the Barolo DOCG and is renowned for producing Barolos with exceptional structure and firm tannins. This is largely due to the composition of the soil, which is rich in limestone and marl. This soil contributes to the wine’s density and aging potential. Due to their structure and tannin levels, Barolos from Serralunga are often celebrated for their ability to age gracefully. Many of these wines can evolve and improve over decades. While other Barolo communes have their own distinct characteristics, Serralunga d’Alba stands out for its ability to produce wines that are powerful, complex, and built for the long haul.
Although Massolino produces a range of Barolos (they have the largest holding in one of Barolo’s most celebrated MGAs; Vigna Rionda), we have concentrated on their entry-level offerings. In our opinion these wines represent some of the best value to be had in Piedmont.
Massolino excels with a range of entry-level offerings that offer fabulous quality and value. Bravo.
― Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The wines
R2,995.00Add to basket
MASSOLINO 6-pk
This 6 pack contains:
1 bottle MASSOLINO Barolo Classico 2019
2 bottles MASSOLINO Langhe Nebbiolo 2021
1 bottle MASSOLINO Barbera d’Alba 2022
2 botttles MASSOLINO Dolcetto d’Alba 2022
Includes free delivery
R505.00Add to basket
MASSOLINO Langhe Nebbiolo 2021
100% Nebbiolo
Traditional winemaking, which undergoes a two week period of fermentation and maceration with ageing in large Slavonian oak casks for over a year.
“The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo is a gorgeous entry-level wine from Massolino. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and a kick of orange peel all grace this exquisite, inviting wine. The 2021 spent a year in cask, longer than required for Barbaresco, for reference. 91pt”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous
R320.00Add to basket
MASSOLINO Dolcetto d'Alba 2022
100% Dolcetto
Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel lasting around a week. This is followed by a few months of maturation in stainless steel and cement.
“The 2022 Dolcetto d’Alba is a beautifully fragrant wine. Crushed flowers, mint and red/purplish fruit all grace this understated, classy Dolcetto. Balance and harmony are very much present. 90pt”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous
R390.00Add to basket
MASSOLINO Barbera d'Alba 2022
100% Barbera
Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel lasting around 10-12 days. This is unwooded wine in order to ensure it is vinous, fresh and well balanced.
“The 2022 Barbera d’Alba is laced with super-ripe dark red cherry/plum fruit, kirsch, mint, blood orange and sweet spice. Exotic and forward, with fine balance, the 2022 has quite a bit to offer. 90pt”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous
R955.00Add to basket
MASSOLINO Barolo 2019
100% Nebbiolo
A blend of different Barolo vineyards, this Barolo Classico from Massolino represents the synthesis of the different characteristics offered by each terroir. Aged in large Slavonian oak barrels to maintain a purer and more forthright identity.
First year of production: 1947.
Vinification and ageing: traditional Barolo with long fermentation and maceration in oak fermenters (“tini”) at temperatures around 30°C; the wine is aged in large Slavonian oak casks for up to 30 months before being left to mature in bottles placed in special dark, cool cellars.
Franco Massolino feels that 2019 is a more traditional vintage: one with complexity, powerful tannins, lovely purity, and one capable of great longevity.
“The 2019 Barolo is a very serious wine. Readers looking for an easygoing, entry-level Barolo will not find that here. Bright and sizzling with tannin, the 2019 is going to need at least a few years to fully come together. Crushed rocks, red/purplish fruit and dried flowers emerge with some coaxing, but this is really a wine for the cellar. It is also probably the most reticent straight Barolo I tasted for this report. 92pt”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Lots of lavender, raspberry and orange blossom aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a polished finish. Shows lovely drive and balance. Clear and fine. Drink after 2025. 93 pt”
— jamessuckling.com
View Massolino in the shop
Please contact david@exanimo.co.za if you have any queries.