Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva Etichetta Nera 2016

Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva Etichetta Nera is the estate's benchmark single-cru Barolo, released under a black label reserved for its greatest years.

Vigna Rionda is one of the most celebrated crus of Serralunga d'Alba, a south-west facing amphitheatre whose calcareous marl soils give Nebbiolo unusual density of tannin and length. Massolino has farmed in Serralunga since 1896 and first bottled Vigna Rionda as a single cru in 1982. This Riserva was fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak tini, the large conical vats traditional to the zone, then matured for 36 months in Stockinger botti, with blending and pre-bottling assemblage carried out in stainless steel and cement. The all-black Etichetta Nera label was introduced with this release and will be used only for the finest vintages of the cru. The result is a rich, layered Barolo of considerable depth and power that nonetheless keeps the finesse and aromatic lift the site is known for.

This needs time: give it a decade in the cellar and expect it to drink well for two or three more, and decant young bottles. It suits braised beef cheek, agnolotti del plin or aged Castelmagno, served at 16–18°C.

*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.