2022 Barbaresco, Massolino, Piedmont, Italy

The Massolino 2022 Barbaresco shows a light ruby appearance and a pretty luminosity. The wine is not too intense aromatically, but it does give a good showing of cassis, redcurrant and wild cherry. There are etched mineral notes at the back with blue flower and lilac. This Barbaresco is delicate and finessed, despite the hot vintage. It does a good job of capturing the quieter and less exuberant side of 2022.

A pristine and precise nose gives an exuberant demonstration of violet, liquorice and wild bramble berries. This fills the mouth with poised concentration and measured vigour. There are no hard edges as suede-textured tannins gracefully enfold the supple fruit. Given Massolino’s relatively new foray into Barbaresco, the family has called on consultant Dante Scaglione to help out. Plots in Starderi, Albesani and Serraboella are assembled before fermentation in order to amalgamate better.

Lustrous, youthful ruby. At first, a little peppery and subdued, with subtle yet concentrated raspberry underneath. Great focus and purity. Firm structure, but perfectly balanced.

A bright ruby color, the 2022 Barbaresco is a floral and fruity wine with a more immediate appeal in its notes of candied berries, fresh perfume, herbes de Provence, and strawberries. Elegant and mid-weight, it has a weightless feel, with fine tannins and a gently tapered, more modest finish. It’s an understated style to enjoy over the next 6-7 years.