Barbaresco Massolino 2023
The Barbaresco from the Massolino winery is a Piedmontese expression of one of the most famous regions in the world for the production of important reds. This label is made with carefully selected pure Nebbiolo grapes and aged in Slavonian oak barrels for at least 18 months. The ruby red color with garnet reflections introduces aromas of flowers and red fruits, while a balanced and long sip floods the palate.
Massolino begins the adventure of Barbaresco at the end of 2018, when brothers Franco and Roberto accidentally meet the historic and ambitious winemaker from Neive, Bernardino Gastaldi, with whom they sign the lease agreement for the management of three fascinating Crus: Albesani, Serraboella, and Starderi. Thus, 2019 is the first vintage of a great project for a Nebbiolo that does not come from the area historically linked to the family, namely that of Barolo: it is therefore the realization of something that roots the name Massolino even more deeply in the land of Langa.
The Barbaresco from the Massolino winery is vinified with Nebbiolo from the three rented parcels in the territory of the municipality of Neive. Albesani and Starderi are the vineyards closest to the course of the Tanaro River, both exposed to the southwest; Serraboella, on the other hand, is a long hill on the eastern side of the village, with exposure from west to south and reaches a higher altitude, with elevations that reach 300 meters above sea level. The soil composition is medium-textured, typically characterized by clay and marl, with a more or less pronounced presence of sand, above a base of limestone rock. The harvest is done manually, at the moment of complete ripeness of the Nebbiolo, which is collected in small boxes. The destemmed grapes are gently pressed: the skins remain in contact with the must for the entire duration of the fermentation period, inside oak vats and with temperature monitored around 30 °C, an environment where malolactic fermentation also takes place. As per the best tradition, maturation extends for 18 months in large Slavonian barrels and a refinement of a few months in bottle concludes the cellar phases.
Massolino's Barbaresco presents itself with an intense garnet red color, with bright ruby reflections. The nose is intense and articulated, in the gentle succession of floral notes from dark varieties and mature hints of red fruit. A great harmony presents itself on the palate, composed of well-polished tannins and a decisive freshness, in a picture of great charm. Rich sauces, roasted meats, delicately blue-veined cheeses: pairing opportunities abound.