Producer
This 23 hectare estate has been in the Massolino family since 1896. Since 1994 the style of the wines has undergone a subtle transformation. Winemaker Franco Massolino has done a wonderful job of marrying change with a respect for tradition, something that sets him apart from most of the younger producers in Barolo today. This is in part dictated by the nature of the vineyards that the Massolino family owns in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba – the source of some of the greatest, most structured, robust and long-lived Barolo wines.
Vineyards
Fruit for this Barolo is sourced from the 1.3 hectare Parussi vineyard in Castiglione Falletto, situated at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level. Purchased in 2007, this is Massolino’s first vineyard outside of Serralunga d’Alba. The excellent south-east/south-west exposure of the vineyard, situated on the crest of the hill, guarantees the production of excellent quality grapes. Soil is predominantly calcareous clay and sand. Deeper and richer in sandy components than the soil in Serralunga d’Alba, it conveys remarkable elegance and mineral notes combined with silky tannins. The vines are Guyot-trained and are planted at a density of 5,000 vines per hectare. The average age of the vines is 40 years old. The average yield is 4.5 tonnes per hectare.
Vinification
Fermentation and maceration lasted approximately three weeks at temperatures between 31-33ºC. The wine was matured in large oak casks for 30 months followed by a year in bottle before release.