Name: Massolino Barolo Parussi 2016 750ml
Brand: Massolino
SKU: 878909
Price: 156.81 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.6 (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.

WA 96pts

Wine Advocate

Of the four single-vineyard Baroli made by Massolino, the 2016 Barolo Parussi is the only one with fruit from Castiglione Falletto. This wine is elegant and tight, and it shows a superb level of Nebbiolo precision. That sharpness is built upon beautifully in a classic vintage such as 2016, and aromas of wild berry, earth, tobacco, licorice and dusty limestone come into startling focus. Parussi adopts a direct and linear approach with fine and polished tannins. In a portfolio that so closely monitors the taste profile of Serralunga d'Alba, this wine is the delightful outsider. They expect 6,800 bottles to hit the market in September 2020.

WS 95pts

Wine Spectator

Plum, black cherry and floral notes are framed by cigar box, eucalyptus, tar and iron in this intense, smoldering red. Right now it's a struggle between the expressive fruit and muscular tannins, so give it a decade at least before pulling the cork. Best from 2025 through 2050. 280 cases made, 125 cases imported.

VM 95pts

Vinous Media

The 2016 Barolo Parussi is the most overt and fruity of the 2016s. That is not a bad thing at all, as it gives the wine striking immediacy and mid-palate sweetness. Succulent red and purplish berry fruit, spice and mint come together in the glass. Silky, floral and medium in body, the Parussi captures all of the sensuality that is typical of the Barolos of Castiglione Falletto. Best of all, the Parussi will drink well earlier than the wines from Serralunga will.

WE 95pts

Wine Enthusiast

Pipe-tobacco, scorched earth and underbrush aromas mingle with whiffs of camphor and dark-skinned berry on this full-bodied red. It's firmly structured, featuring raspberry compote and licorice flavors framed in assertive, close-grained tannins that grip the finish. Youthfully austere and tightly wound, it needs several more years to fully integrate. Drink 2026–2046. (Cellar Selection)

DC 92pts

Decanter

Ethereal and intense with plenty of wild berry and bitter stone cherry notes; earthy and grippy on the finish. Needs time but has much promise. (Silver) - DWWA 2020

Winery Notes

Color: Deep garnet red with bright hues which naturally evolve with age. Bouquet: Ethereal and enveloping with intense and persistent notes of sweet spices, sandalwood, tobacco and leather. Tasting Notes: Fine also for ageing. Its very long finish is typical of Barolos from Castiglione Falletto. It is best to decant and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C (64°-68°F). Parussi is the first Barolo made from grapes grown outside Serralunga d’Alba, in another fantastic area: Castiglione Falletto. The traditional vinification and ageing processes, which are the same as those used for its “Barolo brothers” from Serralunga d’Alba, highlight the well-known capacity of Nebbiolo grapes to deliver Barolos with different fascinating characteristics reflecting the changes in the microclimate and soil the grapes were grown in. Perfect with the rich, traditional cuisine of the region, stewed meats and medium- long matured cheeses.