HISTORY The history of the Massolinos and their wine became entwined with the history of Serralunga d’Alba in 1896, when Giovanni Massolino founded the estate. An enterprising, tenacious, and creative man, Giovanni was the very first person to bring electricity to the village. Giovanni is the progenitor of a family that, in the years following, has combined tradition with inspiration.
THE FAMILY 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. Giuseppe was also one of the founders of the Consortium for the Defence of Barolo and Barbaresco in 1934. 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. In the 1990s, Franco and Roberto, both oenologists, joined the family estate. Their work condenses the experience of an entire family and the ambition of a new generation, determined to make an important contribution to the innovation of oenological and agronomical techniques and to the image of the estate in Italy and abroad.
THE PHILOSOPHY Massolino makes wine with passion in its land of origin, preserving the typical characteristics of indigenous grape varieties. Central to the winery’s philosophy, and epitomized by their sustainable practices, is the conviction that there is a deep, tangible link between the vines, hills, and winegrowers, whose connection and affinity to the land grows more profound with each passing year. Since 1896, the Massolino family has been making wine this way, loyal to their philosophy as well as to the capacity for innovation in the name of tradition.
THE WINES Massolino wines are the result of a privileged relationship with the vineyard, interpreting all its peculiarities and nuances. This special relationship is built day after day, personally overseeing every step in the production chain across all 57 acres of the estate, from the vineyard to the cellar, from the vine to the bottle.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in vineyards situated in Serralunga d’Alba.
This is our product which enables an approach to the great emotions offered by an important Langa wine made exclusively of Nebbiolo grapes. Increased readiness and a drinkable quality make it possible to appreciate this wine without the “reverential fear” usually acknowledged to Barolo.
Altitude: 340 m (1,116 ft)
Total surface area: 2.1 hectares (5.2 acres)
Soil composition: Calcareous
Training system and vine density: Traditional Guyot; with about 5,500 vines per hectare (2,227 vines per acre)
Yield: 6.5 tons per hectare (2.6 tons per acre)
Average age of vines: In great years, only the fruit from the young vineyards (those up to 10 years old) is used, while in weaker vintages fruit which fails to express complexities which we consider to be sufficient to wear the Barolo label is added.
Harvest: Manual, in the second half of October
A classic wine, with average fermentation and maceration lasting 8-10 days, very similar to that used for Barolo. It ages in traditional barrels for over a year and, during its whole production cycle, the utmost attention is paid to all the details which convey smoothness and elegance to a young Nebbiolo.
TASTING NOTES
Color: Garnet red with variable intensity depending on the vintage
Bouquet: Delicate and pleasant, the predominant notes are of raspberry and violet, with the imposition of secondary perfumes very similar to those of Barolo as it ages.
Flavor: A complete and temptingly harmonious wine the elegance of which makes up for its lesser structure compared with that of Barolo.
Serving Temperature: It is best to decant and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C (64-68°).
Food Pairings: A wine for drinking with all courses of a meal, it offers its best expression when served with rich and tasty dishes, from fresh pasta with rich meat or vegetables sauces, to grilled or roast red meat dishes.
