James Suckling – 97 "Tasting this Vigna Rionda is such a sensual experience, with the complexity you’d expect from the top-level Barolo, showing hints of iodine, dark mussels, walnuts, dark stones to the fleshy dark cherries and plums. Then it turns a little “bloody,” minty and tarry on the nose. “Dark” and full-bodied with a massive amount of small-grained tannins seamlessly knitting the fruit on the palate, driving it to a very long, mineral finish. Very tight and powerful now, yet seductively rich and full of flesh, too. Shows lots of potential ahead." - 97 Points, James Suckling"Tasting this Vigna Rionda is such a sensual experience, with the complexity you’d expect from the top-level Barolo, showing hints of iodine, dark mussels, walnuts, dark stones to the fleshy dark cherries and plums. Then it turns a little “bloody,” minty and tarry on the nose. “Dark” and full-bodied with a massive amount of small-grained tannins seamlessly knitting the fruit on the palate, driving it to a very long, mineral finish. Very tight and powerful now, yet seductively rich and full of flesh, too. Shows lots of potential ahead. Much better from 2025. It should hold well for the next 20+ years." jamessuckling.com
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – “Packaged with a special black label, the Massolino 2016 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is only released in the best vintages. Showing the power and the determination of Serralunga d'Alba, the wine is redolent of dried berry, lots of rusty earth and fragrant red rose. These are the typical aromas of this vineyard, and this wine presents them with impeccable integration. To the palate, this Riserva remains open-knit, tightly structured and broad in scope." - Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
The Wine Front – “Bright red cherry, mint, potpourri, new leather, liquorice root. So fragrant. Fresh, very fine, tannin has a succulence, and they sit so well within the wine, melting through its core. Red fruits (strawberry in particular), tea and blood orange, and a superb long finish of precision and freshness. A beautiful expression of Vigna Rionda, and one that belies the heat of the vintage.” - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Outer quote mark The Cavallotto 2016 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is an organic wine that shows superb balance and great intensity. Elegance and power are in fact the twofold hallmark of this iconic vintage. This is a polished and silky wine with an almost glossy or latex-like quality to its tannins (that I love, by the way). This 5,333-bottle production hails from a two-hectare vineyard with 40-year-old vines. It has southwest exposures at a breezy 220 to 310 meters in altitude. (ML) Inner quote mark (6/2022)
Barolo, nestled within the picturesque landscape of the Langhe hills in Piedmont, holds a legendary status in the world of wine. Made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo wines possess a unique combination of richness, elegance, and longevity. Their signature deep garnet hue is accompanied by a complex bouquet of roses, tar, and cherry, evolving beautifully as they age.
The region's distinctive microclimate and calcareous-clay soils contribute to the wine's pronounced tannins and acidity, making them exceptionally age-worthy. As the years pass, a mature Barolo softens, revealing a harmonious interplay of flavors, with hints of truffle, dried fruit, and spices.
Centuries of winemaking traditions in the Barolo region have refined cultivation and fermentation processes, ensuring each bottle offers a pure expression of its terroir. A glass of Barolo is not just a taste of wine but a journey through time and tradition.
Barolo is a small town located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, nestled within the scenic Langhe hills. This region, with its undulating landscapes and historic vineyards, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, acknowledging its significant cultural and winemaking heritage. Only a short drive from Turin, the heart of Piedmont, Barolo is a magnet for wine enthusiasts, historians, and travelers seeking a taste of authentic Italian viticulture.
Wines from Barolo, often referred to as the "King of Wines," are renowned for their exceptional quality. Made from the Nebbiolo grape, they're characterized by rich flavors, deep complexity, and an ability to age gracefully. In terms of affordability, Barolo wines can be viewed as an investment. While there are younger, more accessible versions available at moderate price points, older vintages and those from prestigious producers can command higher prices. However, the price is reflective of the meticulous care, tradition, and expertise that goes into each bottle, making it a worthy addition to any wine collection.
What sets Barolo apart is its unique terroir. The region's microclimate, with warm days and cool nights, and its calcareous-clay soils contribute to the distinctive characteristics of Barolo wines. The misty hills of Langhe ensure the Nebbiolo grapes mature slowly, developing deep flavors and pronounced tannins. Additionally, the centuries-old winemaking traditions passed down through generations, coupled with modern innovations, make Barolo a repository of both history and contemporary wine expertise.
Barolo is most renowned for its red wines made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape. These wines are celebrated for their deep garnet hue, high tannin content, and complex flavors of roses, tar, cherries, and, as they age, hints of truffles and dried fruits. Aged Barolo wines, in particular, offer a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas, making them a favorite among wine connoisseurs worldwide.
Determining the best wines from Barolo can be subjective as it depends on individual palate preferences. However, certain producers and vintages have gained international acclaim. Producers like Giacomo Conterno, Bruno Giacosa, and Aldo Conterno are often heralded for their exemplary Barolo wines. The region's Grand Cru vineyards, such as Cannubi, Sarmassa, and Rocche dell'Annunziata, consistently yield outstanding wines. While each vintage has its nuances, some, like the 2004, 2006, and 2010, are especially revered for their exceptional quality and aging potential.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.