From: Serralunga d’Alba, Langhe, Piedmont
Varietal: Dolcetto
Tasting Notes: In essence, this Dolcetto is all about delicately balanced black and red fruits, violet highlights, and spice. It presents a bright ruby red color, accented by deep
purplish hues. The bouquet is a delightful burst of fresh, red fruit and violet aromas. It offers layers of rich, concentrated flavors. Notes of ripe plum, dark cherry, iodine, and violet emerge, supported by ripe yet abundant chalky tannins. This wine’s naturally dominant fruit and vinous character linger, leaving a pleasant and long finish behind. Surprisingly deep and juicy, its bright, vibrant profile hints at its potential to age gracefully.
Pairing: Its fresh, fruity bouquet and expansive, warm flavor profile make it an ideal companion for classic Italian dishes like tagliatelle with wild mushroom ragu and braised lamb shank with rosemary. The wine's natural fruitiness and vinous character also complement the rich flavors of grilled sausages with caramelized onions, kebabs, lamb meatballs, grilled lamb on rosemary skewers (check out the recipe below), and a simple Margherita or meat and veg/funghi pizza. Pair it with a roasted beet salad with goat cheese, walnuts, charred broccoli, and quinoa salad with a lemon-tahini dressing for a contemporary twist. The wine’s dark cherry and plum notes harmonize beautifully with seared duck breast served with a blackberry reduction or a savory eggplant caponata on crostini.
Grilled Lamb on Rosemary Skewers
By Mark Bittman
About. Massolino, nestled in the heart of the Langhe region of Piedmont, traces its origins back to 1896. This year marks the establishment of the family business by Giovanni Massolino, whose meticulous records reveal the first sale of wine. This modest beginning would lay the foundation for one of the most respected wineries in the region. Like many families in the Langhe during that period, the Massolinos engaged in mixed agriculture, balancing fruit, vegetables, livestock farming, and bulk wine sales.
The family's dedication to viticulture took a significant step forward in 1934 when Giovanni's son, Giuseppe, played a pivotal role in forming the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo e Barbaresco. This consortium was created to protect and promote the region's wines, including the now-celebrated Barolo and Barbaresco. Around this time, the family began bottling their wine, signaling a shift from bulk sales to a more refined and focused production.
The mid-20th century saw the Massolino family's fortunes intertwine with the iconic Vigna Rionda vineyard. In 1956, they inherited their first plots in this esteemed area from their aunt, Matilde Ornato. This began a connection with Vigna Rionda, a vineyard that has since become synonymous with Massolino's identity. Just a year later, the family expanded their holdings by acquiring the Parafada Cru, further solidifying their commitment to Serralunga d'Alba, where these prized vineyards are located.
Vigna Rionda, with its unique microclimate and exceptional terroir, has been at the heart of Massolino’s legacy. In 1967, Giuseppe made a bold and somewhat risky decision to acquire another portion of Vigna Rionda, even though it required an exchange that saw the family give up a larger plot of land elsewhere. This move, however, proved to be one of foresight, as it laid the groundwork for what would become one of Barolo's most revered wines.
The first Barolo DOCG Vigna Rionda Riserva was released in 1982, marking a milestone for the winery. This wine, born from the third generation’s dedication to their craft, quickly became a favorite among wine lovers and solidified Massolino’s reputation as a producer of world-class Barolo. Over the years, the family continued to acquire additional parcels of Vigna Rionda, culminating in purchasing the final piece of the vineyard in 1990, thus completing their ownership of this exceptional site.
As the fourth generation—Franco, Roberto, and Paola—began to take the reins in the 1990s, Massolino continued to expand and innovate. The purchase of the Parussi Cru in 2006 was a notable development, broadening the winery's Barolo offerings beyond the borders of Serralunga d'Alba and demonstrating the family's commitment to exploring the full potential of their terroir.
In 2015, Massolino ushered in a new era by constructing a modern cellar in Serralunga d'Alba. This state-of-the-art facility, situated just across from the historic family home, serves as the production hub and as a center for hospitality and tasting, allowing visitors to experience the depth and character of Massolino wines firsthand.
The vinification process for this wine involves temperature-controlled fermentation at approximately 30°C (86°F) and a 7-9 day maceration period in stainless steel. This careful process is followed by malolactic fermentation, and the wine then matures in stainless steel and cement for several months. The limestone-rich soils of Serralunga impart a remarkable structure to the grape, resulting in wines celebrated for their characteristic freshness and fragrance.
