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Barolo lovers need no reminding: 2016 was an epic vintage, producing a stream of breathtaking wines. First bottled as a single Cru in 1982, 2016 marked the 35th vintage of Massolino’s benchmark Barolo, Vigna Rionda, and even those who know this wine intimately will surely not have tasted a greater expression. This year’s sheer quality led Massolino to introduce a new, all-black label, which henceforth will only be used for the greatest years of Vigna Rionda. The 2016 fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak tini—large, conical oak vats—with the blending and pre-bottling in stainless-steel tanks and cement vats. It matured for 36 months in Stockinger botti.
This is clearly a very special Vigna Rionda. It’s a rich, layered wine of enormous depth and power yet also great finesse. It’s unique, perhaps a little like 2010 or 2004 but with more structural power. The notes below tell you all you need to know about the quality on offer.