Massolino Barbera, Boisterous and Juicy
Serralunga d’Alba. Known for producing some of the most structured, long-lived Barolos in the region, it is also home to one of its most respected traditional estates: Massolino. While their Barolo rightfully earns global acclaim, the true insider’s secret may be their Barbera d’Alba, a wine that captures the essence of Piedmont’s everyday drinking at an extraordinarily high level.
The 2023 Massolino Barbera d’Alba is everything Barbera should be, elevated by the same care and precision Massolino brings to their top wines. From the glass, the aromatics are immediately inviting: ripe black cherry and plum layered with delicate violet notes, gentle spice, and just a touch of earthy complexity. It is both expressive and beautifully composed.
On the palate, the wine strikes that balance between vibrancy and depth. Barbera’s naturally lively acidity gives the wine its energy, carrying flavors of red berries and wild herbs. The texture is supple, the fruit is pure, and the finish is long and refreshing. It’s a wine that satisfies immediately but never feels heavy.
This Barbera clearly reflects Massolino’s philosophy. Even at this level, there is no corner-cutting, only meticulous farming, careful cellar work, and a commitment to expressing place. The result is a Barbera that overdelivers in every sense.
This is a great way to explore the upcoming vintage character of 2023 as a look at what the style of the Barolo will be like. I really enjoyed this wine–I’ve tasted a number of Barbera based wines recently and this one is the most open and friendly I’ve seen. Accessible and friendly, Massolino’s 2023 Barbera d’Alba is not just a great everyday red, but also shows how the grape can sing with some love and attention by a great producer.
90 Points, Vinous
The 2023 Barbera d'Alba is a boisterous, juicy wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Vinification and aging in a combination of cement and steel keeps the red-toned fruit wonderfully vibrant. Lifted floral notes linger on the close.