2020 Massolino Barolo 'Parafada'

On the eastern flank of Barolo lies the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, a celebrated subzone whose wines can represent the epitome of ruggedly structured wines which beg for years of aging before they reveal their core. Within this commune are some of the all time great contributors to the single cru approach where Barolo's are produced with a true sense of place and singularity. Francia, Parafada, Margheria, and Vigna Rionda are some of these top sites with the latter three being in the hands of the Massolino family for decades and Vigna Rionda in particular being their signature. For a period in the 1990's and early 2000's, the winemaking style here stepped in the modern, more ripe and oak-influenced camp of Nebbiolo. However, the pendulum is swinging back towards the traditional sense at Massolino where robust Baroli lead the charge.

Massolino's 'entry-level' Barolo is anything but entry-level quality as it features only grapes grown in Serralunga, many of which from fifty year old plantings. Year in, year out Massolino's Barolo defy the notion that wines from this part of the world are too austere to be opened shortly after release.