Massolino Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda 2012 750ml Case of 6

Name: Massolino Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda 2012 750ml
Brand: Massolino
SKU: 925794
Price: 260.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.8 (5 reviews)

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SKU 925794

$1,565.70/case

$260.95/bottle

Tariffs included

Availability: This is a Long-term Pre-arrival item and is available for online ordering only. This item will ship on a future date after a 4-8 months transfer time. For more about Pre-arrival orders, see FAQ.

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Underbrush, new leather, forest berry, dark spice and a whiff of fragrant blue flower are just some of the aromas you’ll encounter on this gorgeous, multifaceted red. Structured but exceedingly elegant, the delicious palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco. It’s impeccably balanced, with noble tannins that lend tension and a velvety texture. Drink 2022–2032. (Cellar Selection)

More Vintages:

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Appellation: Barolo

Size: 750ml
Color: Red

SKU: 925794 Category: Pre-arrival

More about this item

Winery Massolino

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Varietal Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.

Country Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region Piedmont

Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.

Appellation Barolo

Barolo’s star grape is Nebbiolo, a finicky yet expressive variety that reaches its zenith this unique terroir. The region’s distinct microclimates and soils contribute to Nebbiolo’s complexity, resulting in wines with robust tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo wines, often referred to as “the king of wines,” are characterized by their deep garnet hue and complex bouquet, offering aromas of roses, tar, truffles, and red fruit. The aging process is significant, requiring at least 38 months, with a minimum of 18 months spent in wooden casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in wines that evolve beautifully over time, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. For wine enthusiasts, exploring Barolo provides a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking, showcasing the profound marriage of tradition, terroir, and Nebbiolo’s distinctive expression.

Ratings & Reviews

WE 98pts

Wine Enthusiast

Underbrush, new leather, forest berry, dark spice and a whiff of fragrant blue flower are just some of the aromas you'll encounter on this gorgeous, multifaceted red. Structured but exceedingly elegant, the delicious palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco. It's impeccably balanced, with noble tannins that lend tension and a velvety texture. Drink 2022–2032. (Cellar Selection)

VM 95pts

Vinous Media

Readers will find a silky, nuanced Barolo in the 2012 Riserva Vigna Rionda. Rose water, orange zest, cinnamon, sage, mint and dried cherry are some of the many nuances that give the 2012 its aromatic top notes, and all of the elements fall into place effortlessly. Relatively open-knit for a young Rionda, this should drink well with minimal cellaring. The 2012 doesn’t quite have the explosive energy of vintages like 2010, 2013 or 2014, but it will offer tons of pleasure sooner than any of those wines. I loved it.

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

I always look forward to tasting this wine. Massolino truly captures the heart and spirit of Serralunga d'Alba, thanks to this special single-vineyard selection. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda hails from a warm vintage, and the wine transmits that warmth and opulence in a very natural and transparent manner. Both the bouquet and the mouthfeel show a very successful level of integration. The dark fruit is linked immediately to spice and smoke. The tannins finish on a polished, silky note. Production numbers are limited to around 8,500 bottles.

JS 94pts

James Suckling

Aromas of tea, coffee and dried strawberries follow through to a full body. Has an energetic palate with polished and lively tannins that coat your mouth. Needs a few years to soften but very attractive already. Try in 2020.

WS 93pts

Wine Spectator

Emphasizes flavors of underbrush, wild herb and leather, yet offers a baseline of ripe fruit. Prominent dusty tannins tip the balance toward the dry side. In a difficult phase, but I would give this the benefit of the doubt. Best from 2023 through 2042. 708 cases made.

Winery Notes

Color: Bright garnet red. Bouquet: Reveals multiple broad and enveloping sensations, ranging from those of the early years, focused primarily on red fruits and flowers, to the more evolved sensations of brushwood, tobacco and spices that develop with age. This wine is a harmony of captivating nuances that are released and evolve slowly in the glass. Tasting Notes: Vigna Rionda is a unique Barolo, impossible to describe in just a few lines and hard to compare with others, even those from the Serralunga area. A wine capable of complexity, longevity and structure, which come together with unparalleled elegance. A little patience is required for it to reach its full potential, which is why it stays in our cellars until its sixth year, the only wine in our range to do so, when it is released as a Riserva. We recommend decanting and serving at a temperature of 18-20°C. An ever-evolving wine, it pairs beautifully with meat dishes, rich in intense and persistent aromas and flavours, and with mature cheeses. It is also the perfect meditation wine for those who wish to take their time to enjoy it while relaxing, appreciating its many qualities in their purest form.