“Vigna Rionda may be the single greatest vineyard in Barolo.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Fantastic vineyards always produce good quality wines.
Fantastic vineyards in the hands of exceptional farmers and winemakers are sure to produce marvellous and epic wines.
Vigna Rionda is the testament to this philosophy. Made famous by the vintages that the late great Bruno Giacosa produced, Vigna Rionda has proven to be one of the finest wines of Barolo with the longevity and worthiness that the great wines of Serralunga are known for.
Giacosa’s last vintage from Vigna Rionda was 1996. Since then, the Giacosa parcels have transferred to several other domaines and much of the vineyards were uprooted and replanted.
However, it was not only Giacosa farming Vigna Rionda. Since the early 1960’s the Massolino family has been farming Vigna Rionda but it was not until 1982 that Massolino bottles a single-vineyard Vigna Rionda. While these are separate parcels from Giacosa, the torch was passed to Franco and Roberto Massolino to represent the greatness and glory of Vigna Rionda.
The benchmark of the vineyard today, the Massolino Vigna Rionda is without question one of the most remarkable wines of Barolo.
“Vigna Rionda yields the most perfumed, sensual and mystical of all Barolos. Rose petals, violets, sweet spices, nuanced fruit, silky tannins and often an element of weightlessness make Rionda the Musigny of Barolo.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Earlier this year, we offered the 2013 Vigna Rionda and thought it to be one of the greatest examples of this site. The 2014 Massolino Vigna Rionda has just arrived and after tasting it, we are torn as to which wine is the most captivating and age-worthy example of Vigna Rionda. The 2014 Vigna Rionda is a wine unto its own. While 2014 might not be the overall hearlded vintage as 2013 was, the 2014 Vigna Rionda is the perfect example of a wine that trancends the vintage and shows how truly special the vineyards of Serralunga are.
A truly exceptional wine, the 2014 showcaes the pedigree of Vigna Rionda and the skill of the Massolino brothers - it is no surprise that Antonio Galloni rated this his highest Massolino Vigna Rionda ever! Not to mention, the second highest rated 2014 Barolo of the vintage, right after Roberto Conterno's Monfortino!
With that context, the 2014 Vigna Rionda is a relative steal. This is another breath taking example of Massolino's Vigna Rionda that exudes power, class and finesse. Reminding us all why, Vigna Rionda is regal and refined, much like that of the elusive Grand Cru Musigny of Burgundy.
Cheers,
Jeremy |
