Massolino, Barolo Riserva DOCG, Vigna Rionda
2007, Piemonte, Italy
Classification Barolo Riserva DOCG
Colour / Type Red
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Nebbiolo
Average score 93
Massolino is a Piedmont winery known for its Nebbiolo and Barolo DOCG wines. It was founded in 1896 by Giovanno Massolino and remains family-owned and -operated. His son and daughter built the first cellar in the 1930s and were involved in the foundation of the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbarest Alba Langhe e Dogliano. Massolino's best-known wine is its entry-level 'Classic Barolo. The 23 hectares (57 acres) of estate vines are almost all entirely in the Barolo sub-region Serralunga d'Alba. Nebbiolo is the most important grape and the single variety used in many of the wines, although Massolino also makes wines from Barbera, Dolcetto, Chardonnay and Moscato Bianco. The flagship bottling is the standard Massolino Barolo, a blend of Nebbiolo from multiple vineyards covering 7ha of land. The wine has been made since 1911. The most prestigious Massolino wines come from three of the unofficial Cru vineyards of Barolo: Margheria, Parafada and Vigna Rionda Riserva. A single vineyard of 1.3ha is planted outside of Serralunga in the neighboring commune of Castiglione Falletto and grows the Nebbiolo used for the Parussi Barolo. Each of the above wines demonstrates impressive complexity and great ageing potential. The Margheria vineyard is a renowned Cru vineyard in Serralunga, on calcareous & sandy soil, which imparts elegance, mineral and spicy notes to the wine. The nearby marl-lime soils of Parafada vineyard, yield wines with intense red berry, leather and vanilla notes. With a similar marly lime soil, the vineyard situated in Vigna Rionda produces a powerful Barolo, suitable for long ageing.
About Massolino
Massolino is a historic wine producer based in Serralunga d’Alba, in the heart of the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy. Founded in 1896 by Giovanni Massolino, the estate has remained family-owned for over a century, with successive generations expanding both the vineyards and the winery’s reputation for quality. The Massolino family has always been deeply connected to the land, cultivating some of the most prized sites in Serralunga d’Alba, an area recognized for producing powerful, age-worthy Barolo wines.
The estate’s vineyards span approximately 23 hectares, including prime holdings in the celebrated crus of Margheria, Parafada, and Vigna Rionda. Vigna Rionda, in particular, is considered one of Barolo’s grandest vineyards, known for its ability to produce Nebbiolo wines with exceptional complexity, structure, and longevity. Massolino’s approach in the vineyard combines tradition with careful innovation, emphasizing sustainable practices and minimal intervention to express the unique character of each site.
Massolino produces a range of wines, with Nebbiolo-based Barolo at the core of their portfolio. Their Barolo DOCG is crafted from estate-grown fruit and aged in large Slavonian oak casks, a technique that preserves the varietal’s purity and the terroir’s nuances. The single-vineyard Barolos—Margheria, Parafada, and Vigna Rionda—each reflect their specific microclimates and soils, offering distinct expressions of Nebbiolo. The Vigna Rionda Riserva, made only in outstanding vintages, is a benchmark wine, released after extended aging and prized for its elegance and aging potential.
Beyond Barolo, Massolino also produces Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto d’Alba, and Moscato d’Asti. These wines showcase the diversity of Piedmont’s indigenous grape varieties and offer approachable, food-friendly options alongside the more structured Barolos. The estate’s white wine, Langhe Chardonnay, demonstrates their versatility and willingness to explore beyond traditional Piedmontese reds.
In the cellar, Massolino balances respect for tradition with modern techniques where beneficial. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, while aging occurs in large oak barrels to encourage slow development and integration of flavors. The family’s philosophy centers on producing wines that are true to their origin, allowing the distinctive qualities of Serralunga d’Alba’s soils and climate to shine through in every bottle.
Today, the fourth generation of the Massolino family—Franco and Roberto Massolino—leads the estate, upholding the values of quality, authenticity, and innovation established by their ancestors. Under their guidance, Massolino continues to be a reference point for classic Barolo, earning acclaim from wine lovers and critics worldwide. The estate’s commitment to excellence, deep roots in Serralunga d’Alba, and dedication to expressing the character of their vineyards make Massolino a standout producer in the world of Italian wine.