Massolino Barolo DOCG 2020
(Piedmont, Italy) - [WA 94] [JS 94] [WE 93] [WS 93] [JD 92] [VM 90]

About the Winery:
Azienda Agricola Massolino Vigna Rionda was the dream of great-grandfather Giovanni, who founded the estate in 1896. In those days, it was a traditional Langa farm, producing fruit and vegetables, raising livestock and making wine. Today the estate is run by Franco, Roberto and Renato Massolino.

About this Wine:
Barolo DOCG Classico Massolino represents the synthesis of the different characteristics offered by each terroir. We have always preferred traditional ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels, to maintain a purer and more forthright identity. A broad and variable range of aromas, with a surprising expressive evolution over time.

Appearance: garnet red colour with variable intensity depending on the vintage.

Bouquet: the grapes come from different vineyards and this gives them a broad and variable spectrum of perfumes, ranging from tempting spicy notes to those of a sweeter, floral and fruity nature.

Flavor: a variety of sensations, with a full-bodied, classic and well structured wine which ages well and perfectly represents the important character of our land. It is best to decant and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C. It achieves its best expression when served with red meats, particularly game, and with dishes dressed with truffle. It is also excellent with fresh egg pasta and meat sauce, and with risotto, as well as medium-mature cow’s milk and goat’s milk cheeses.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Showing elegant richness and a velvety consistency, the Massolino 2020 Barolo ages in large oak botti for 30 months. The wine represents a blend of fruit from Serralunga d'Alba (Collaretto, Briccolina, Broglio and Le Turne) and one site in Castiglione Falletto. Elegance is underlined in this wine that shows wild berry, dried blueberry and a sweet touch of lilac over a medium-dark finish. The wine's texture manages to be direct and linear but generous at the same time. This is a large release of 90,000 bottles and a good value for money." - Monica Larner (Jan 2025)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Bright and lively red fruit character with dried flowers, stones and hints of tree resin. Medium-bodied, clean and focused on the palate, with fine tannins and a linear finish. Shows freshness and poise. Polished. Try from 2027, but already a joy to taste." (May 2024)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Opening with aromas of crushed red fruits and a bouquet of bay leaf, balsam, and sandalwood that slowly lift from the glass. The palate is rounded and pretty—soft tannins make it immediately accessible. A savory backbone is brightened by hints of orange zest and clove, creating an approachable yet complex profile that is ready to be enjoyed now." - Jeff Porter (Sep 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Cherry, plum, camphor and tobacco flavors are aligned with a silky texture. This intense red is juicy midpalate before building to the long finish, with earth, tobacco and licorice notes. Still, this is solid and dense. Best from 2027 through 2043. 7,500 cases made, 2,800 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Apr 2025)

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Medium red in color, the 2020 Barolo is fruity and expressive out of the gate, with pure, ripe aromas of ripe mixed berries, wildflowers, sweet herbs, and cedar. There’s lovely freshness on the palate, with medium body, mouthwatering dark mineral accents, ripe tannins, and an approachable feel. It’s a very appealing wine that captures the elements of this vintage with a skillful hand. Drink 2024-2032." - Audrey Frick (May 2024)

90 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Barolo is a terrific wine in its peer group. It offers up scents of pine, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and crushed herbs. Delicate and elegant, with gorgeous aromatics and tons of presence, the 2020 is impeccably done. This bottling has aged quite well in the past. I imagine that will also be true of the 2020." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2026)