Massolino Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda 2015

Massolino Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda 2015 is a benchmark Barolo from one of the most revered crus in Serralunga d’Alba. This is Massolino’s flagship wine, crafted only in the finest vintages and showcasing Nebbiolo at its most profound and ageworthy. With fruit drawn from their prized share of the legendary Vigna Rionda vineyard, this Riserva marries power, elegance, and extraordinary depth into a single, collectible bottle.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2015 Vigna Rionda Riserva shows a deep garnet hue with brickish reflections at the rim, already hinting at its complexity and evolution. The nose is intense and layered, opening with dark cherries, blackberries, and wild strawberry before unfolding into tarry spices, dried rose petals, sweet tobacco, licorice, clay, and a distinct iron-tinged, rusty mineral note that is so typical of Serralunga. On the palate, this Barolo is full-bodied yet impeccably balanced, with a rich, enveloping core of black cherry, plum, and macerated red berries framed by firm, finely grained tannins. Notes of leather, dried herbs, balsamic undertones, and earthy truffle appear with air, while the warm, sunny 2015 vintage lends a silkier texture and a generous, mouth-filling mid-palate. The finish is long, resonant, and savory, leaving lingering impressions of spice and mineral. Built for the long haul, this wine will continue to evolve beautifully for 15–25 years or more from vintage, gaining nuance and tertiary complexity with careful cellaring.

Production
Vigna Rionda is a historic, south- to southwest-facing cru in Serralunga d’Alba, prized for its calcareous clay and marl soils that give Nebbiolo both structure and finesse. The vineyard sits at elevation, benefiting from excellent drainage, diurnal temperature swings, and optimal exposure, contributing to the concentration and aromatic complexity of the fruit. Massolino manages roughly a quarter of the total 10 hectares planted, allowing them rigorous selection of grapes for this limited Riserva. Harvest is carried out by hand, parcel by parcel, ensuring only perfectly ripe Nebbiolo clusters are brought to the cellar. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled tanks with extended maceration to extract color, tannin, and aromatics, followed by a lengthy maturation in large traditional oak casks (botti) to preserve terroir character and refine the wine’s structure. After cask aging, the wine rests further in bottle before release as a Riserva, ensuring it reaches the market with added harmony and complexity.

Food & Serving
This is a regal Barolo that shines alongside equally noble dishes: think braised beef or veal, osso buco, slow-cooked lamb shanks, or game such as venison and wild boar. It pairs beautifully with rich risottos featuring porcini mushrooms or truffles, aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Castelmagno, and hearty, savory Piedmontese cuisine. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Nebbiolo glasses to allow the aromatics to expand. Decanting is strongly recommended: 1–2 hours for younger bottles to soften the tannins and awaken the bouquet, and a gentle, shorter decant for older, more evolved bottles to preserve delicacy.

Producer
Founded in 1896 in Serralunga d’Alba, Massolino is one of Barolo’s classic, family-run estates and a reference point for traditionally styled Nebbiolo. Over generations, the Massolino family has assembled some of the most coveted parcels in the commune, with Vigna Rionda regarded as their crown jewel. The estate is known for combining meticulous vineyard work with time-honored winemaking practices, emphasizing long fermentations and aging in large casks to highlight terroir rather than wood. Massolino’s wines are celebrated worldwide for their purity, consistency, and ability to age gracefully, and their Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is widely considered one of the most important and collectible expressions of this legendary Piedmontese cru.

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