Massolino
& the ‘Angel of Serralunga’
Established in 1896, Massolino stands as a pillar of traditional winemaking in Serralunga d’Alba, Piedmont. The estate is renowned for its commitment to expressing the unique characteristics of its vineyards, particularly the esteemed Vigna Rionda cru.
Massolino's Barolos are celebrated for their purity, elegance, and ability to age gracefully, reflecting the family's dedication to quality and tradition.
Hosted by the Angel of Serralunga …
Giovanni Angeli | Winemaker
Saturday, 1st August
Lunch: 12–2.30pm | 12 wines and 4 courses | $215
Masterclass: 3–5pm | 12 wines & canapés | $135
“Massolino not only delivers admirable top-end Nebbiolo wines... but also makes a near-perfect range that starts with the delicious Dolcetto and runs seamlessly through the Barbera, to basic Nebbiolo before arriving at the top tier wines.”
- Nick Stock
Massolino: A Legacy of Family and Terroir
Founded in 1896 by Giovanni Massolino, the Massolino estate is nestled in the heart of Serralunga d’Alba, a village renowned for producing some of the most profound and long-lived Barolo wines. Giovanni was a visionary, bringing electricity to the village and laying the foundation for a family legacy that has spanned over a century.
The estate's commitment to quality and tradition is evident in its meticulous vineyard management and winemaking practices. Massolino owns 23 hectares of vineyards, including prestigious crus such as Margheria, Parafada, and the iconic Vigna Rionda. These vineyards, characterized by calcareous and sandy soils, contribute to the complexity and elegance of their wines.
In 1934, Giovanni's son, Giuseppe, played a pivotal role in establishing the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo e Barbaresco, underscoring the family's dedication to preserving the integrity of the region's wines. Today, the fourth generation, including Franco and Roberto Massolino, continues to uphold the family's legacy, blending traditional methods with modern innovations to produce wines that are both expressive and age-worthy.
Meet the host… Giovanni Angeli
Giovanni Angeli, often referred to as the "Angel of Serralunga," brings a profound sensitivity and dedication to his role as winemaker at Massolino. His approach is characterized by a deep respect for tradition, coupled with a willingness to embrace subtle innovations that enhance the purity and expression of the wines.
Under Giovanni's guidance, Massolino's Barolo wines undergo fermentation with indigenous yeasts and are aged in large Slavonian oak botti for up to 30 months, followed by additional bottle aging in cool, dark cellars. He has also introduced the use of cement tanks and large wooden fermenters (tini) for fermentation, aiming to preserve the delicate nuances of the Nebbiolo grape.
Giovanni's philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the unique characteristics of each vineyard to shine through. His commitment to sustainable practices, including organic vineyard management and the use of natural pest control methods, reflects a holistic approach to winemaking that honors both the land and the wine.
In his own words, Giovanni believes that "balance" is the key to both life and winemaking—a principle that is evident in the harmony and elegance of Massolino's wines.
The Wine List
On Arrival
Massolino Langhe Riesling 2024
Prosciutto, olives
First Bracket
Massolino Dolcetto d'Alba
Massolino Barbera d'Alba
Abrolhos half shell scallops, nduja butter
Second Bracket
Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2024
Massolino Barbaresco 2023
Massolino Barbaresco Albesani 2023
Duck Bysteya, parsley salad
Third Bracket
Massolino Barolo 2022
Massolino Barolo Margheria 2022
Massolino Barolo Parafada 2022
Massolino Barolo Parussi 2022
Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva 2020
Angus fillet, melted beetroot, confit garlic, leafy greens
To Finish…
Massolino Moscato d'Asti 2025
Petit orange and almond cake