Massolino · Barolo · 2021 · 750ml
Massolino Barolo 2021 combines expressive red cherry and floral aromas with savory herbs, spice and an elegant tannic structure. The reviews highlight depth without heaviness, vibrant acidity and a polished finish, making this Piedmont Nebbiolo a compelling choice for the table or the cellar.
Producer & Vineyard Context
Founded by Giovanni Massolino in 1896, the family estate is based in Serralunga d'Alba and is now guided by its third and fourth generations. The family describes a minimal-intervention philosophy intended to capture the qualities of its soils and grapes. Decanter identifies this as the estate's classic Barolo, built around Collaretto and other Serralunga holdings, rather than a declared village Barolo.
Expert Reviews · Vintage 2021
Decanter · 93 Points · January 2025
Engaging from the get-go, the nose offers scents of wild strawberry, violets, tarragon and liquorice. Lovely depth of plush red fruit intertwines with tangy minerals. The tannins are polished and long, drawing from the front of the mouth with graceful ease through to the finish. So elegantly composed. Massolino has put out a beautiful set of 2021s, starting with the estate’s not-to-be missed ‘classic’ Barolo. It is built around the Collaretto MGA with various other holdings in Serralunga. In some vintages, a small part of Parussi makes it in which is why this isn’t declared as a village Barolo.
James Suckling · 93 Points · January 2025
Intense, smoky style to this Barolo, dominated by floral aromas, with citrus notes allied to red fruits and gentle spice. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy acidity and tannins which are flexible and not dry, despite the austere finish. Try from 2027.
Kerin O’Keefe · 93 Points · January 2025
The 2021 Barolo from Massolino is a lovely wine. It opens with heady aromas of dog rose, wild red berry and whiffs of botanical herb and new leather. On the elegant, savory palate, taut, fine-grained tannins accompany ripe Morello cherry, star anise and orange peel that give it a tangy finish.
Jeb Dunnuck · 92 Points · May 2025
A jeweled ruby red color, the 2021 Barolo is expressive on the nose with notes of polished leather, ripe cherries, fresh herbs, and mossy earth. The structure is quite appealing, with mouthwatering, ripe acidity, sweet tannins, and an even feel in a medium-bodied frame that’s gently rounded. It’s a very pretty wine and a nice calling card for the estate in this vintage. Drink 2025-2035.
Vinous · Antonio Galloni · 92 Points · January 2025
The 2021 Barolo is a fabulous wine that shows both the quality of the year and the very high standards at Massolino. Pliant and expressive, with notable depth, the Barolo is super-impressive. Macerated dark cherry, spice, lavender, menthol and blood orange all build in the glass. What a gorgeous and complete wine this is. The straight Barolo is, without question, the hidden gem in this range.
Additional Listing Note · Source and Vintage Not Specified
It’s a beautiful sweet and savoury release with waves of crunchy blue fruits complemented by notes of charred meat and subtle iron filings. The palate is so silky and pure, with supple fruit and vibrant acidity tapering to a lovely, mouth-watering and perfumed finish. A super release and another super value.
Producer Notes
We are a family. We firmly believe that in order to have a great future, you need to look to the past.
Proud producers of Barolo, Barbaresco and the typical wines of the Langhe, we were lucky enough to be born in Serralunga d’Alba, an area of absolute excellence in the geography of great Italian wines.
With tenacity and passion, we have been making wine since 1896.
Azienda Agricola Massolino Vigna Rionda is the dream of our great-grandfather Giovanni, who founded the estate in 1896. In those days, it was a traditional Langa farm, producing fruit and vegetables, raising livestock and making wine.
Our family is firmly at the helm of the historic estate that inhaled the vibrant air full of change of the late 19th century and navigated the tides of the first half of the 20th century. Today, we face the new challenges of the 21st century, in the capable hands of the third and fourth generations.
We have always believed in Barolo and its austere uniqueness. We care for it in keeping with the philosophy that inspires our approach to wine – minimal intervention, to capture all the qualities that our soils and grapes can create in the glass.
We are Massolino Vigna Rionda and we are writing a legacy with our wines.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Try with braised beef, roast lamb, mushroom risotto or aged hard cheeses. Rich, savory dishes provide a fitting partner for the wine's tannins and bright acidity.
Details
- Producer: Massolino
- Vintage: 2021
- Bottle Size: 750ml
- Country: Italy
- Region: Piedmont
- Appellation: Barolo
- Estate Location: Serralunga d'Alba
- Grape: Nebbiolo
- Type: Red wine
- Producer Philosophy: Minimal intervention
- Drinking Guidance: James Suckling suggests trying from 2027; Jeb Dunnuck gives 2025–2035
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