The 2010 vintage in Piemonte has been incredibly interesting both in terms of quality and value. Our portfolio of Barolo producers has broadened with new additions including Massolino of La Serralunga d'Alba.
As mentioned the other week, there is plenty to get excited about with regard to the 2010 Barolo vintage. The vintage has produced wines with admirable ripeness, yet with the definition and poise that come from a cool, even growing season. I have no doubt that these terrific Nebbiolo will age well in clients cellars, with most of the styles we have been offering starting to drink from 2018 and capable of developing until 2030 and beyond in some instances.
It is also hard not to be impressed by the value on offer; a great vintage and yet there are still a handful of notable growers producing great, age-worthy wines at prices that equate to less than £500 per 12 bottles in bond. With this is mind, there is a serious case to be argued for broadening your purchasing horizons. If you enjoy fine Nebbiolo, it is well worth picking up a few cases for sure.
Our buyer, Vicki, and I have debated our preferred Barolo producers and I am very pleased to say that Vicki has not only broadened my horizons but she has been able to track down some stocks of several new estates for Atlas. You may recall that we offered the impressive wines of Chiara Boschis in our last 2010 Barolo offer. Here, we focus on the wines of brothers Franco and Roberto Massolino. Based in the Serralunga d’Alba, the Massolino family cultivate 23 hectares, some of which are prized Cru vineyards. Of particular note are the Crus Margheria and Parafada which were wise purchases made by the family in the 1970s.
The Massolino wines certainly reflect the soils of Serralunga d’Alba. The style is more powerful on these sandstone and clay-based vineyards in contrast to those Barolo from La Morra or even Castiglione Falletto. That said, there is a notable charm and grace to these 2010s; the Parafada’s dark fruit overlaid with unmistakable floral nuances and the Margheria captures altogether duskier fruit with notes of spice and brushwood. In fact, there is a fascinating contrast between these two styles.
Antonio Galloni’s comprehensive review of the vintage has highlighted a particular successful vintage for the Massolino family, suggesting that this is the finest vintage he has tasted at the estate yet.
2010 Barolo, Vigna Margheria, Massolino
£245 per six bottles in bond
95 points, Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com
Iron, smoke, tar, plum and black cherry are some of the many notes that take shape in the 2010 Barolo Margheria. A deep, resonant wine, the Margheria captures an attractive middle ground in this vintage. It can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring because of its pliancy, but also has enough depth to age gracefully for years. Aromatic nuance, expressive fruit and fabulous balance are among the hallmarks in a Barolo that captures the essence of Serralunga. Violets, lavender and new leather flesh out on the inviting finish. This is also the deepest and darkest of the Massolino 2010s. Drinking 2018 to 2035
£245 per six bottles in bond
94 points, Antonio Galloni, vinousmedia.com
The 2010 Barolo Parafada is beautifully layered in the glass. Plum, black cherry, violets and lavender all take shape in the glass. Attractive savory notes appear later, adding lift and freshness. In this vintage the Parafada is chiseled and delineated, with more than enough energy to drink well for a number of years. Stylistically, the Parafada is more lifted and savory than the Margheria, with a wonderful undercurrent of minerality that supports the finish. Drinking 2018-2030