Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2017

The Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2017 is a remarkable wine made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the prestigious "Vigna Rionda" Me.G.A. in Serralunga d'Alba. Situated at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level, the vineyard spans across a total surface area of 3 hectares. The soil composition is characterized by mixed consistency, contributing to the unique qualities of this wine. With an average vine age of up to 50 years, the Vigna Rionda vineyard has been producing exceptional wines since its first vintage in 1982. The vinification and ageing process of this Barolo are steeped in tradition. The grapes undergo a long fermentation and maceration in oak vats at a temperature of around 30°C. Subsequently, the wine is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for up to 42 months, followed by an additional 24 months of ageing in the bottle. The soil and microclimate of the Vigna Rionda hillside create the perfect conditions for the production of structured and complex wines. The traditional vinification methods employed enhance the inherent qualities of this Cru, respecting its natural predisposition for long ageing while emphasizing the elegance and depth that only this vineyard can deliver. In terms of tasting characteristics, the Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2017 exhibits a bright garnet red colour. The bouquet is a sensory journey, starting with the early years' notes of red fruits and flowers and evolving into more mature nuances of brushwood, tobacco and spices. These captivating aromas gradually unfold and develop in the glass, offering a harmonious experience. On the palate, Vigna Rionda stands apart as a unique Barolo, defying simple description and challenging comparison even within the Serralunga area. This wine embodies complexity, longevity and structure, all elegantly intertwined. To fully appreciate its potential, a little patience is required, as it remains in the cellars until its sixth year, making it the sole Riserva in Massolino's range. We recommend decanting and serving it at a temperature of 18-20°C.

The 2017 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is flat out stunning. All the purest essence of Rionda comes through in a captivating Barolo that dazzles. Sweet red cherry fruit, kirsch, rose petal, licorice and blood orange are some of the many aromas and flavors that lift from the glass. Exotic and racy, the 2017 is a flat-out stunner. Now, for the million dollar question. Is it better than the 2016? Right now, I give an edge to the 2017 for its greater finesse and total sense of exotic beauty. But time will be the judge. I do look forward to tasting the 2016 and 2017 side by side! - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 98 points.

Bright red cherry, mint, potpourri, new leather, liquorice root. So fragrant. Fresh, very fine, tannin has a succulence, and they sit so well within the wine, melting through its core. Red fruits (strawberry in particular), tea and blood orange, and a superb long finish of precision and freshness. A beautiful expression of Vigna Rionda, and one that belies the heat of the vintage. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 97 points.