Name: Massolino Barolo Margheria 2015 750ml
Brand: Massolino
SKU: 877707
Price: 85.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.2 (6 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.

WE 96pts

Wine Enthusiast

Hailing from a single vineyard that has slightly sandier soils than the estate's other sites, this lovely wine boasts structure, elegance and a fragrance of rose petal, wildflower, menthol and perfumed berry. On the precise palate, white pepper and star anise accent a core of wild cherry and crushed raspberry. It's balanced, with firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2023–2035.

WS 95pts

Wine Spectator

Offers a gorgeous expression of cherry, strawberry and plum fruit, shaded by tobacco, eucalyptus and tar accents. Remains pure and elegant due to the vibrant structure, showing terrific balance and a long, fresh aftertaste of fruit, wild herbs, tobacco and mineral. Best from 2022 through 2043. 205 cases made, 100 cases imported.

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

The 2015 Barolo Margheria is the first single-vinyard Barolo I tasted from Massolino in a lineup that started with the most delicate wine and ended with the most powerful expression. Considering that we are talking about Serralunga d'Alba (the township known for the most powerful Baroli overall), the word "delicate" should be taken with a grain of salt. The vines here are 37 years old, and the soils are slightly looser and sandier in nature. This wine is just slightly more accessible than the other cru expressions with elegant mineral notes that frame dark fruit, spice and pressed violets. This could be a good pairing opportunity with Florentine tripe in a tomato sauce.

JD 94pts

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2015 Barolo Margheria is more open, with aromatics of grenadine, leather, and fresh tobacco. The palate is ripe, with modest acidity, and is full of dried cherry, tea leaf, and baked earth. Its imposing tannic structure will need time to soften over the next several years, but it should open up. Drink 2025-2045.

JS 93pts

James Suckling

Aromas of plums, cherries and flowers. Sandalwood, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm and silky tannins that are chewy. Tannic finish, yet finesse and refinement at the end. Try in 2022.

VM 93pts

Vinous Media

Massolino's 2015 Barolo Margheria is a powerful, driven wine that shows the sinewy muscles of Serralunga off to great effect. Dark red cherry, plum, iron, sage, smoke, white pepper and rose petal open up in the glass, but the Margheria is a wine of structure, power and depth, its mid-weight feel notwithstanding. As is often the case, the Margheria is a beguiling wine that shows the flavor and textural complexity Nebbiolo can reach in Piedmont's top sites.

Winery Notes

Color: Deep garnet red. Bouquet: Ethereal, featuring spicy, tobacco and brushwood notes; there are also important mineral notes. Tasting Notes: Classic and nicely harmonious wine, tannic when young and with considerable ageing potential, making it an unmistakable “Nebbiolo of Serralunga”. It is best to decant and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C (64°-68°F). An important wine, it encapsulates all the history of our land and fully expresses its talents when served with rich dishes, such as roast red meats or game stew. It is also excellent with medium mature and mature cheeses.