Country: Italy Region: Piemonte Varietal: Nabiolo  Vintage: 2012 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Massolino Description: 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. Vineyards: Fruit for the Barolo was sourced from grapes grown in several vineyard sites in Serralunga d'Alba, situated at an altitude of 320-360 metres above sea level. The soil is composed predominantly of limestone. The vines are Guyot-trained and are planted at densities of 5,000-6,000 vines per hectare. They range in age from 10-45 years old. The average yield is six tonnes per hectare. Vintage information:  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. Vinification:- Fermentation and maceration lasted approximately 15 days at temperatures between 31-33ºC. The wine was matured in large oak casks for 30 months followed by a year in bottle before release. Tasting Note: Bright ruby-garnet in colour with intense perfumes of dark fruit and a touch of cloves with a savoury, herbal note. On the palate it is full-bodied yet elegant, with plenty of robust but ripe tannins supporting the dark, dried plum and autumn compote fruit character and balancing the acidity. Long and fine, with perfumes of roses and violets on the finish. Food Matches: Red Meat / Risottos / Lamb / Soft Cheese