Name: Massolino Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda 2011 750ml
Brand: Massolino
SKU: 1042503
Price: 206.62 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 95.8 (5 reviews)

Winery Massolino

Shop all from Massolino

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 98pts

Wine Enthusiast

From one of the most celebrated vineyards in the entire Barolo denomination, this gorgeous wine boasts captivating aromas of new leather, underbrush, ripe berry, tobacco, a whiff of tilled soil and a balsamic note. Seamlessly combining elegance and structure, the long, compelling palate delivers layers of juicy black cherry, ripe raspberry, licorice and clove alongside a backbone of noble tannins. It’s already a fantastic showing and will age wonderfully for decades.

VM 96pts

Vinous Media

The 2011 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is one of the surprises in this tasting. From a warm and very dry year, the 2011 possesses gorgeous inner perfume and tons of character. It is just approaching the early part of its first plateau of maturity. I don’t expect this to be especially long-lived Vigna Rionda, but it is quite compelling today.

WA 95pts

Wine Advocate

The 2011 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva is an exuberant and expressive wine with dark cherry fruit, spice, tobacco and black truffle. There is a pretty earthy quality on hand that is delivered in an elegant and understated manner. What I like most about this wine is that it does not show evident signs of the warm summer growing season. Any extra fruit ripeness or sweetness is carefully tucked in at the back. Give this Riserva another ten years of bottle aging to let it flesh out further.

WS 95pts

Wine Spectator

The velvety texture sets the stage for cherry, strawberry, leather and spice notes in this red. Juicy acidity carries the excellent finish, building in freshness and complexity from beginning to end. Approachable now, but should be better in a year or two. Best from 2020 through 2035. 1,415 cases made.

JS 95pts

James Suckling

Aromas of mushrooms, rose petals and blackberries follow through to a full to medium body, tight tannins and a fruity finish. Needs time to open. Better in 2020. Impressive.

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.