Vigna Rionda is historically the most revered vineyard of Serralunga and the source of some of the greatest, finest and most long-lived Barolo. The Massolino family are the largest holders in this Cru with 3.5 hectares of Vigna Rionda vines, aged between 40 and 50 years old. On some of the oldest soils of Barolo, there is very little topsoil here, with a high concentration of limestone, oxidised iron and other mineral elements. The altitude is also 300 metres above sea level—so, high—with protection from northerly winds and frost provided by the south/southwest aspect.

It’s a vineyard that generates wines with an optimum balance of perfume, finesse, concentration and structure, rarely found elsewhere in Barolo. Excellent acidity and tannins are a feature of the wines of Vigna Rionda, and so they require longer aging in both botti and bottle. That’s why Massolino’s Vigna Rionda is always released with a minimum six years of age.

Always aged in large cask, 2017 was the second vintage that Massolino’s Vigna Rionda was also fermented in large wood. It spent 20 days on skins and then 30 months aging in a 7,000-litre Stockinger botti. It’s simply a gorgeous, layered and complex Barolo of the highest order. The note below says it all. Despite the warm vintage, there is great acidity and ample, fine tannins. Already a brilliant drink, it will be even better in three to five years.

“The 2017 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is flat out stunning. All the purest essence of Rionda comes through in a captivating Barolo that dazzles. Sweet red cherry fruit, kirsch, rose petal, licorice and blood orange are some of the many aromas and flavors that lift from the glass. Exotic and racy, the 2017 is a flat-out stunner. Now, for the million dollar question. Is it better than the 2016? Right now, I give an edge to the 2017 for its greater finesse and total sense of exotic beauty. But time will be the judge. I do look forward to tasting the 2016 and 2017 side by side!” 98 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous