Barolo Riserva 'Vigna Rionda' Massolino 2017

Barolo Vigna Rionda is one of the most representative wines of Serralunga d'Alba, always known for its ability to deliver austere and powerful products, often compaired to the greatest jewels of Burgundy for the large potential of aging over time and for the unequaled aromatic complexity. To understand the extraordinary uniqueness of the Vigna Rionda cru is necessary to observe in detail the microclimatic characteristics of this small patch of ground, starting from its position relative to the ridge that bisects Serralunga d'Alba. All the crus turned in the direction of Monforte d'Alba receive in fact, compaired to those turned to the left of the ridge, the protection of Castelletto hill from north-west winds (important for the return of cold during afternoon in winter) and an almost total exposure to the afternoon heat, which in summer can reach very high temperatures: conditions, these ones, that border on the optimum for the long vegetative cycle of Nebbiolo, promoting in the wines produced here a wide development of aromatic precursors whose finesse is measurable only in the long run. On this side of the ridge is located the cru Vigna Rionda, renowned for its ability to occur in a rigid and powerful style of wine, evolvable in times of aging far higher than the products of other neighbors crus, to the point that most of the producers still operating here rely on aging time in wood and in bottles ranging from at least five to ten years. Massolino family, owner for generations of a beautiful portion of Vigna Rionda central nucleus, turned the Barolo produced here in her main flagship, so as to insert the mention Vigna Rionda in the company name, raising it up as a symbol of its production. Having the opportunity to taste Barolo Vigna Rionda by Massolino is the equivalent of touching the highest peak of Barolo expressiveness: In a glass of Vigna Rionda lies the historical sense of Barolo, safely delivered to us by a tradition of centuries, able to materialize the spirit of time in a bottle.