Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2022 375ml (6 Bottles), Langhe, Italy

A wonderful video of the Massolino Winery

Massolino are all smiles regarding the quality of their 2019 Nebbiolo wines–and here’s exhibit A. The Langhe Nebbiolo is a blend from different sources, with the Estate’s younger-vine Serralunga d’Alba (Barolo) fruit now joined by a parcel from Monforte d’Alba. The latter Cascina I Maschi vineyard lies at altitude right on the border of the Barolo area where the soils are rich in chalk. Massolino credits this cool site with the resultant vibrant freshness and a touch more colour.

Like all Massolino Nebbiolo, it is aged in large Slavonian oak casks, although the Langhe only spends 12 months in wood, as compared to 24-plus months for the Barolo wines. This is already delicious, a ripe and luscious Nebbiolo with lifted perfume and lashings of fruit. Expect waves of spiced plum fruit shot through with star anise. The tannins are fine and there’s punchy acidity. Plump yet racy, it’s almost impossible to stop drinking.