Cantina Massara "Barolo" Piedmont, Italy 2020

FROM THE PIEDMONT GUY:

THE WINE: 100% Nebbiolo. A blend of grape from three different hills in Verduno (Massara, Neirane and Castagni) with altitudes ranging from 240 meters to 350meters above sea level: lush fruit from Massara at 240 meters composing 35% of the blend, structure and tension from the calcareous-clay soils of Castagni at 350 meters composing 50%, and more robust tannins from Neirane at 290 meters for the remaining 15%. The soils are predominantly calcareous marl and clay in varying percentages, contributing to the unique characteristics of each sub-zone reflected by balance and complexity in the wines.

THE PRODUCER: To fully appreciate the legacy of Cantina Massara, one must refer to the storied past of the Burlotto family in Verduno. Tucked in the northwestern corner of Barolo next to the Tanaro River, this village’s picturesque hilltops afford some of the most sweeping panoramas of the Langhe and beyond. Cantina Massara's origins can be traced to the 1850s, when Giovan Battista Burlotto began to make fine wine in Verduno. He was ultimately granted the distinguished title of Commendatore G.B. Burlotto, and by the time of his death in 1927, G.B. Burlotto was Verduno’s indisputable favorite son. The next several decades marked a period of expansion for the Burlotto family, especially in the year 1940 when the family fractured into three winemaking entities—the nascent Cantina Massara and Castello di Verduno in addition to the extant Comm. G.B. Burlotto. Now among today’s brightest stars of Verduno, Cantina Massara is helmed by fifth-generation Gian Carlo Burlotto along with his son Gianluca and his daughter Claudia. The historic estate’s three Baroli and a mesmerizing bottling of the rare Pelaverga Piccolo grape collectively embody the unique characteristics of Verduno-based wines that are remarkably perfumed and lifted while tempering power with tension.