Massolino, a name synonymous with profound Barolo, has embarked on a pioneering journey into the world of Riesling, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to innovation and expressing the unique terroir of their Monforte d’Alba estate. In 2014, the family planted three distinct clones of Riesling in a particularly cool and windswept parcel, strategically chosen for its elevation and unique geological composition. This high-altitude plot, situated at the apex of a hill at 450-500 metres above sea level, lies just beyond the traditional Barolo appellation boundary. Its rocky, limestone-rich soils are a key contributor to the wine's distinctive character, imparting a vibrant minerality and a sense of place rarely seen in Italian Riesling.
The vinification process for this Langhe Riesling has undergone a thoughtful evolution, reflecting Massolino's meticulous approach to winemaking. After several years of experimentation with various vessels, including amphora, stainless steel, and different types and sizes of oak, the winery has settled on a singular approach: fermentation and aging exclusively in a 5,000-litre cement tank. This choice is a testament to Massolino's dedication to preserving the wine's inherent brightness and energetic qualities. While the use of concrete for Riesling vinification is far from commonplace, Massolino firmly believes that the wine's natural vibrancy and purity are amplified by this method.
The current vintage of Massolino Langhe Riesling truly showcases the success of this innovative approach. It is a wine that immediately impresses with its coiled energy and remarkable purity, a testament to the meticulous care taken from vineyard to cellar. The palate is a delightful tapestry of bell-clear apple blossom and delicate white flower flavors, beautifully intertwined with an intense, palate-coating fruitiness. This richness is expertly balanced by a crisp, invigorating finish, marked by crunchy notes of lemon and a whisper of zesty lemongrass. The wine's structural integrity and vibrant acidity underscore its aging potential, promising further complexity with time. Massolino's Langhe Riesling is not merely a departure from tradition; it is a captivating expression of a lesser-known facet of Piedmontese winemaking, proving that the region's diverse terroirs can yield world-class examples of this noble grape.
Critic Reviews
93 POINTS
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front
Bright juicy, lime, dried herb, a slight honey and petrol thing. It’s intense, kind of mouth-watering, but flavoursome all the same, a dry fine chalky texture, with a burst of acid and lime on a firm and long finish. Very nice. And an interesting point of difference.
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Tasting Notes
Massolino, a name synonymous with profound Barolo, has embarked on a pioneering journey into the world of Riesling, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to innovation and expressing the unique terroir of their Monforte d’Alba estate. In 2014, the family planted three distinct clones of Riesling in a particularly cool and windswept parcel, strategically chosen for its elevation and unique geological composition. This high-altitude plot, situated at the apex of a hill at 450-500 metres above sea level, lies just beyond the traditional Barolo appellation boundary. Its rocky, limestone-rich soils are a key contributor to the wine's distinctive character, imparting a vibrant minerality and a sense of place rarely seen in Italian Riesling.
The vinification process for this Langhe Riesling has undergone a thoughtful evolution, reflecting Massolino's meticulous approach to winemaking. After several years of experimentation with various vessels, including amphora, stainless steel, and different types and sizes of oak, the winery has settled on a singular approach: fermentation and aging exclusively in a 5,000-litre cement tank. This choice is a testament to Massolino's dedication to preserving the wine's inherent brightness and energetic qualities. While the use of concrete for Riesling vinification is far from commonplace, Massolino firmly believes that the wine's natural vibrancy and purity are amplified by this method.
The current vintage of Massolino Langhe Riesling truly showcases the success of this innovative approach. It is a wine that immediately impresses with its coiled energy and remarkable purity, a testament to the meticulous care taken from vineyard to cellar. The palate is a delightful tapestry of bell-clear apple blossom and delicate white flower flavors, beautifully intertwined with an intense, palate-coating fruitiness. This richness is expertly balanced by a crisp, invigorating finish, marked by crunchy notes of lemon and a whisper of zesty lemongrass. The wine's structural integrity and vibrant acidity underscore its aging potential, promising further complexity with time. Massolino's Langhe Riesling is not merely a departure from tradition; it is a captivating expression of a lesser-known facet of Piedmontese winemaking, proving that the region's diverse terroirs can yield world-class examples of this noble grape.
