Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva Etichetta Nera 2016

Vigna Rionda is historically the most revered vineyard of Serralunga, the source of some of the greatest, most structured, robust and long-lived Barolo. The name derives from the word rotonda (round) used to describe the amphitheatre shape of this south-facing vineyard. The Massolino family are the largest holder with 2.3 hectares (today Angelo Gaja has a fair chunk as well). The soil here is similar to the Parafada vineyard (limey/chalky marls) yet there is more chalk and also a higher concentration of minerals and other micro elements. The altitude is 330 metres above sea level. The resulting wine begins life as a coiled spring, completely shut down, which is why Massolino releases this wine with extra age: at either 6 years (for the standard Riserva release) and 10 + years for the Dieci X Anni release. With enough age, Vigna Rionda blossoms into an intensely perfumed, ultra-fine, pure and succulent wine with very fine tannins. From 25-45 year old vines, this has a fantastic, mineral, complex nose, leading to a beautifully round, ripe and plump palate with dark fruits and smoky, meaty, stock-like complexity. There is genuine density here and the classic muscular tannins of Vigna Rionda, yet there is ample fruit and a wonderfully fragrant, long and refreshing close. Has the power to improve for donkey's years but equally a fabulous drink now. Benchmark Serralunga from a classic vintage.

"Cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and menthol flavors highlight this supple red. There's plenty of backbone, and woodsy notes chime in, but this is more about the expressive berry fruit and elegant side of Barolo, ending with a terrific finish. Nonetheless, this will require several years for the tannins to be absorbed. Best from 2025 through 2045." 98 points, Brandon Sanderson, Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is absolutely stunning. Deep and statuesque in bearing, the 2016 captivates all the senses from start to finish. A whole range of Rionda aromatics soars out of the glass. Silky and yet powerful, gracious and yet full of gravitas, the 2016 captures all the contrasts that make Barolo such an alluring wine. Rose petal, lavender, red/purplish fruit, spice and new leather lend striking nuance to this hypnotic Barolo from Massolino." 97 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

"Packaged with a special black label, the Massolino 2016 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is only released in the best vintages. Showing the power and the determination of Serralunga d'Alba, the wine is redolent of dried berry, lots of rusty earth and fragrant red rose. These are the typical aromas of this vineyard, and this wine presents them with impeccable integration. To the palate, this Riserva remains open-knit, tightly structured and broad in scope." 97 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Sub Region: Barolo