Name: Massolino Barolo DOCG 2016 750ml
Brand: Massolino
SKU: 957977
Price: 50.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 93 (5 reviews)

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.

WS 95pts

Wine Spectator

#7 Top 100, 2020. A stream of pure, juicy cherry fruit is at the heart of this red, along with mineral, tobacco and wild herb notes. Firm and tightly wound, with a matrix of dense, refined tannins for support. All the elements are in the right proportions, this just needs time. Best from 2023 through 2045. 5,800 cases made, 2,100 cases imported.

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

The classic Massolino 2016 Barolo sources its fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, although a tiny percentage of Castiglione Falletto is part of the blend. This wine is linear and tight, with an arsenal of important Nebbiolo aromas ranging from red cherry and cassis to spice, smoke, licorice, dried ginger, rusty nail and blood orange. What really stands out is the structural importance of the wine. It delivers firmness and strength, while allowing the delicate side of the grape to coexist without interference. An ample 70,000 bottles of this well-priced Barolo were produced.

VM 92pts

Vinous Media

Massolino's 2016 Barolo is a gorgeous wine that brings together all the best qualities of the year. Bright and pliant, yet with terrific structural intensity, the 2016 is a wonderfully complete, harmonious Barolo that will delight readers for the next 15 to 20 years. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice add striking shades of nuance. Massolino's straight Barolo is a fabulous wine in its peer group. Vineyard sources include Briccolina, Collareto, Brolio and Le Turne.

WE 92pts

Wine Enthusiast

Red-berry, ground clove and rose-petal aromas appear in the glass. On the linear, elegantly structured, palate, white pepper, star anise and orange-zest notes accent a Marasca cherry core while firm fine-grained tannins provide support. It's balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink 2024–2031.

DC 92pts

Decanter

Located directly in the village of Serralunga d’Alba, the Massolino estate blends its classic Barolo from five diverse plots throughout the township as well as one in the neighbouring Castiglione Falletto. A fascinating mix of tar, wild broom, exotic spice and irony notes weave through this wine from start to finish. Assertive, ripe tannins wrap around palate which is full and concentrated yet well-proportioned. There is superb underlying juiciness here.

Winery Notes

Color: Garnet red colour with variable intensity depending on the vintage. Bouquet: the grapes come from different vineyards and this gives them a broad and variable spectrum of perfumes, ranging from tempting spicy notes to those of a sweeter, floral and fruity nature. Tasting Notes: A variety of sensations, with a full-bodied, classic and well structured wine which ages well and perfectly represents the important character of our land. It is best to decant and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C. It achieves its best expression when served with red meats, particularly game, and with dishes dressed with truffle. It is also excellent with fresh egg pasta and meat sauce, and with risotto, as well as medium-mature cow’s milk and goat’s milk cheeses.