Massolino Barolo Margheria 2017

Margheria is a hectare and a half in Serralunga d'Alba, and the one Massolino cru whose calcareous soil carries a measurable share of sand.

Barolo DOCG lies in the Langhe hills south of Alba, and Serralunga d'Alba is its most tannic and slowest-maturing commune, a product of compact limestone marl and a long growing season. The Massolino family have farmed here since 1896 and work a group of established crus around the village, with Franco, Roberto and Paola now the fourth generation in charge. Margheria sits at about 280 metres on ground the estate describes as calcareous with a small percentage of sand, a difference they credit with setting it apart from their other parcels, and its vines average around forty years; it was first bottled separately in 1985. The wine has a long fermentation and maceration in oak tini at around 30°C, then up to thirty months in large oak casks and roughly a year in bottle, so the emphasis stays on site rather than on new wood.

Approachable a little earlier than the estate's sterner crus but still built to age well beyond a decade. Serve at 16-18°C with slow-cooked veal, mushroom risotto or a mature hard cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.