This 23 hectare estate has been in the Massolino family since 1896. Since 1994 the style of the wines has undergone a subtle transformation. Winemaker Franco Massolino has done a wonderful job of marrying change with a respect for tradition, something that sets him apart from most of the younger producers in Barolo today. This is in part dictated by the nature of the vineyards that the Massolino family owns in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba - the source of some of the greatest, most structured, robust and long-lived Barolo wines.
Winter started mild, with temperatures as high as 15°C up until the end of January, when they dropped below 0°C and heavy snowfalls created good water reserves. Vegetative recovery occurred later than usual due to the temperatures. Spring started out cool and wet in March and April. May was warmer but still wet, with the rainfall and high temperatures accelerating the vegetative growth. Rainfall continued in June as flowering was taking place, resulting in reduced berry set. From the end of June, summer was marked by low rainfall and medium-high temperatures, which reached their peak at 38°C in the second half of August. Harvest took place in October. The quality and quantity of the phenolic substances in the grapes promised well-structured, age-worthy wines.
