2021 Massolino Langhe Riesling, Piedmont

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.

93 points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au

Screwcap. 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. Absolutely delicious.

Massolino Langhe Riesling from Piedmont is a distinctive Italian Riesling crafted by the renowned Massolino family, known for producing classic wines that reflect the unique terroirs of Piedmont. While Piedmont is best known for its Nebbiolo, Massolino’s Langhe Riesling offers a fresh and vibrant expression of Riesling, grown in select vineyards that benefit from the region’s cool climate and limestone-rich soils. These conditions allow the Riesling grapes to ripen slowly, developing bright acidity and complex aromatics.

The Massolino winemaking team focuses on preserving the purity and varietal character of the Riesling. Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel, with no oak influence, to maintain the wine’s fresh, mineral-driven profile. This approach results in a wine that showcases both the finesse of Piedmont’s terroir and the lively nature of Riesling.