MASSOLINO
PIEDMONT, ITALY 2021
WHY BUY: Fourth-generation winemaker Franco Massolino is a staunch traditionalist of the best kind, and today's offer (including a pair of knockout 97-pointers) is a showcase of an old-school style that feels increasingly precious in today's wine world. Apart from his devotion to single-vineyard purity (a rare nod to modernity), these wines are utterly throwback in their methods, from Massolino’s devotion to Slavonian oak to his insistence upon long-aging (only two estates in all of Piedmont age their wines as long). For Franco, Barolo isn't just business, it's his life, his obsession, his art form, and what you're getting here is the purity of that dedication: precise varietal character, elegant construction, perfect balance, and the kind of soul that you can feel in your bones the moment you touch down upon their property, which is one of the most gorgeous and dramatic not just in all of Piedmont, but in all of Italy. What you’re also getting here, folks, is a guarantee of greatness to come: these bottles will evolve beautifully for the next 25-35 years, bank on it.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: The Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner evaluated all four wines, and came away enamored. She awarded 97 points each to the Parafada 2021 ("structured, taut and shows incredible tension") and the Riserva Vigna Rionda 2019 (a "quite special” wine, “expertly crafted," with "very beautiful mouthfeel” and a "glossy sheen to the tannins”). Reviewing the Serralunga d'Alba 2021, she singled out its "pronounced savory side” and its "very delicate and finessed delivery," calling it "a pretty example of the vintage." The Barbaresco 2022 impressed her, too, for being a wine of “finesse” and delicacy.
OUR TASTING NOTES: Let's start with what might be the revelation here: that $53 Serralunga d'Alba, which drinks as though it costs three times as much. There's something almost magical about how Massolino balances earthy intensity with deftness and grace; it’s like watching a master chef work with the lightest touch while delivering the deepest flavors. The Parafada 2021 is where things get seriously exciting. The aromatics are evocative and vibrant, and the palate manages to bring the concentration and energy of fresh, dark berries but without the sweetness. And we loved the distinctive mineral backbone that tells you you're in the presence of something truly special. The Riserva Vigna Rionda 2019 represents Massolino at its full and glorious power. This wine has both the weight you'd expect from a stellar vintage and the polished, almost luxurious texture that separates good Barolo from transcendent Barolo. The Barbaresco 2022 is the outlier, in not being a Barolo, but it’s not an aberration when it comes to quality. Despite coming from a challenging vintage, it’s astonishingly not over-concentrated, and has the kind of elegant composure that makes you want to sit with it for hours.
THE STORY: Situated on a 100-acre estate in the heart of Serralunga d'Alba, Massolino can trace its origins back to 1896, when founder Giovanni Massolino helped form what became the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo, an organization dedicated to protecting regional wine integrity. Today, fourth-generation winemaker Franco Massolino carries on that purist mission with an unyielding focus. If he had a mantra, it would be: let Barolo be Barolo. Rather than relying on single vineyard plots, Massolino sources Nebbiolo from multiple parcels to achieve complementary dimensions and broader aromatic complexity. Aging happens in 5,000-liter Slavonian oak barrels — large enough to minimize oak contact while allowing the notoriously finicky and tannic Nebbiolo to express its pure character. The process can take 30 months before bottling, followed by extended rest in specially-designed cellars. Every decision serves one goal: varietal clarity and unmistakable Barolo character.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: These wines are begging for hearty, lusty dishes to pair up with: long braises of beef or veal, a classic risotto with truffles or caramelized mushrooms, a pan-seared duck breast with huckleberries, a smooth and satiny fondue.
FUN FACT: Giovanni Massolino is credited with being the first person to bring electricity to Serralunga d’Alba … perhaps not coincidentally, in the very same year he founded the winery.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we source directly to ensure pristine provenance. These are classic Barolos at prices that make no sense — secure your bottles and cases today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2026. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. The Parafada or Rionda may not be available in AZ, DE, KY, MA, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, SC, TX, and WI. This offer is for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, November 16th, 2025.