Barolo Vigna Rionda “Etichetta Nera” Riserva DOCG 2020

Vigna Rionda di Massolino Flli | Piedmont
Az. Agr. Vigna Rionda S.S. | Piazza Cappellano 8 | IT 12050 Serralunga d'Alba

05494020 · 0,75 l · 372,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Limitation of 3 articles per customer

In 1956, Giuseppe Massolino inherited the first plots in Vigna Rionda from his aunt Matilde Ornato, a legacy that the family has never let go of. Eleven years later, he swapped an area twice as large, solely to acquire further land in this single vineyard – a move that revealed more faith than calculation. In 1982, the family bottled its own Riserva from this land for the first time, with the final acquisitions following in 1986 and 1990. Today, Massolino owns three of the ten or so hectares of Vigna Rionda, the largest single plot in this site, which ranks among the most sought-after in the entire Barolo region. The vines are planted at an altitude of 300 metres, in calcareous-marly soils that lend the vineyard its distinctive minerality and depth, with vines up to fifty years old.

2020 began early and rainy; the summer remained warm but without any heatwaves, with cool nights and significant temperature variations, which gave the grapes time to develop their polyphenols at their own pace. Following a long fermentation and maceration in wooden vats at around 30 degrees, the wine matures for up to 42 months in large wooden casks, followed by a further 24 months in the bottle; it is the estate's only wine to be released only in its sixth year. After a long fermentation and maceration in wooden vats at around 30 degrees, the wine matures for up to 42 months in large wooden casks, followed by a further 24 months in the bottle; it is the only wine from the estate to be released only in its sixth year. With the release of the 2016 vintage, Massolino introduced the black label in 2022 – a distinction reserved solely for the most outstanding Riserva vintages. The 2020 vintage, which has now also completed its ageing period, is only the second vintage to be accorded this honour.

Precise floral notes and fresh red fruit give way to a remarkably complex bouquet. On the palate, it is deep, precise and of captivating clarity, with silky, finely chiselled tannins and exceptional length. A Barolo that proves that true greatness is not something that simply emerges in every vintage, but must be earned. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine takes a little longer to open up, but then it gradually comes into its own – with aromas of black berries, Spanish cedar and minty, herbaceous notes of fir and camphor, which gradually give way to forest floor and autumn leaves. On the palate, the wine unfolds smoothly with rich concentration, elegantly chalky tannins and remarkable length. It demands patience, but ultimately rewards it with wonderful complexity and powerful flavours." Wine Advocate

"Massolino's 2020 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is an absolute stunner. What a wine! Lush aromas and silky fruit immediately convey all the sensuality that is the Rionda's most characteristic feature. Elegant and nuanced – the 2020 is simply brilliant. It is one of the most refined Riondas I have ever tasted from Massolino. Lavender, rose petals, cherry, sweets and sweet spices caress the palate. Incredibly fine tannins further enhance its overall appeal." Vinous

"Complex and captivating, with an exceptional bouquet of orange peel, brick, dried flowers and roses. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, tending more towards medium body, and displays delicate red fruit flavours that intertwine with precise, concentrated, chalky tannins and a penetrating, well-integrated acidity. Very subtle, yet with an underlying structure that sets it apart. Ready to drink now, but will continue to develop over the next few years. Drink now or keep."