Massolino Barolo Parafada 2017

Massolino Barolo Parafada 2017 is a powerful yet remarkably approachable Barolo from one of Serralunga d'Alba’s most prized crus. Sourced from the steep Parafada vineyard, this wine balances muscular structure with a surprisingly generous, almost seductive fruit core in this vintage. Celebrated by critics, including Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, the 2017 highlights a slightly richer, softer expression of this typically robust site, without losing its classic Barolo identity.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Parafada shows a deep garnet hue with brick-red reflections at the rim, hinting at both its youth and its potential for graceful evolution. The nose is complex and inviting: Morello cherries and dried blackberries mingle with notes of rose petals, tar, licorice and a refined, iron-like minerality. Subtle tones of sweet hazelnut paste, tobacco and dried herbs emerge with air, adding layers of nuance. On the palate, it is full-bodied and concentrated, yet surprisingly accessible for a young Barolo from Serralunga. Dark cherry and berry fruit are supported by firm, fine-grained tannins and a vibrant, savory acidity that carries the wine through a long, persistent finish. The hallmark Parafada structure is present, but in 2017 it is cloaked in a riper, slightly sweeter fruit profile and a silkier texture than usual. Enjoyable now with proper aeration, it has the backbone to age and develop greater complexity over the next 10–20 years, gaining more tertiary notes of leather, truffle and dried flowers with time in the cellar.

Production
Parafada is a celebrated single vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba, known for its steep, south and southwest-facing slopes and calcareous-clay soils rich in iron and minerals—conditions that naturally yield Nebbiolo of depth, power and longevity. Massolino harvests the Nebbiolo grapes by hand, selecting only the best clusters to ensure optimal ripeness and balance in this warm vintage. In the cellar, traditional Barolo methods prevail: extended maceration on the skins to extract aromatics, structure and color, followed by a long, gentle maturation in large oak casks (botti), allowing the wine to develop complexity while preserving the purity of fruit and an authentic expression of the Parafada terroir.

Food & Serving
This Barolo is a superb partner for rich, savory dishes: think braised beef or veal, ossobuco, slow-cooked lamb shanks, or game birds with truffle and porcini mushrooms. It also shines alongside mature hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Pecorino or well-aged alpine cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C in large Burgundy or Barolo glasses to allow the bouquet to fully unfurl. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to soften the tannins and open the aromatics; older bottles will need a more delicate, shorter decant to separate any sediment.

Producer
Founded at the end of the 19th century, Massolino is one of the historic family estates of Serralunga d'Alba and a benchmark name in traditional Barolo. Over generations, the Massolino family has patiently assembled prime vineyard holdings in some of the region’s most esteemed crus, including Parafada, Margheria and Vigna Rionda. Their philosophy is rooted in classic Langhe craftsmanship: meticulous work in the vineyards, respect for each site’s identity and an unwavering commitment to long aging in large oak casks. Widely respected by sommeliers, collectors and critics alike, Massolino has played a key role in cementing Serralunga d'Alba’s reputation for producing structured, ageworthy and profoundly terroir-driven Barolo.

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