Massolino Langhe Riesling 2021

Massolino Langhe Riesling 2021

Massolino planted three clones of Riesling in 2014 in a cool and windswept parcel in Monforte d'Alba. This plot is rocky and limestone-rich and sits at the hill’s apex at 450-500 metres, just outside the Barolo appellation boundary. Following a few years experimenting with amphora, steel and various types and sizes of oak, the wine is today fermented and raised exclusively in a 5,000-litre cement tank, on lees, for nine months. The use of concrete is hardly commonplace when vinifying Riesling, yet Massolino feels the brightness and energy of the wine merits this approach. It’s hard to disagree, given the coiled energy and purity of this release. Absolutely unique in style (as you would expect of a Langhe Riesling grown on limestone and raised in concrete!), it is a beautiful wine. Expect a characterful, intensely racy wine, loaded with lime, butter and chalky notes. 

“From a site in Monforte, situated a 530M above sea level. Concrete tank. On Lees for 19 months. Riesling is perhaps a bit of a white elephant in the Langhe, though it’s not without merit. Rich and limey, stony, a little aniseed. A fairly fleshy palate, a slight petrol thing, some stone fruit in the mix, a gentle chalky texture, and a long and juicy finish. It has richness and intensity, and in short, it’s really good.” - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front