And it is an opinion often supported by the Barolo wines made here. This said, in certain respects these same wines are very different from the acknowledged characteristics of this municipality.
Vigna Rionda is, quite simply, Vigna Rionda.. A very particular place for Barolo, which expresses something special, visceral and overwhelming here.
Finding a rational explanation for what makes Vigna Rionda such a special Barolo is impossible. What are the characteristics of Vigna Rionda? Which microelements, which soil composition, which inclination of the ridge give the wine its unique expression?
There is no single answer, the mystery is part of the magic of this Barolo…
After 1340, Vigna Rionda changed hands and became the property of the Falletti family.
It belonged to them for centuries, until 1860. Years after the death of Juliette Colbert, the last member of the Falletti family, ownership of the Vigna Rionda was transferred to the Opera Pia Barolo.
In the twentieth century, there was a succession of changes of ownership between local families. Massolino has been collecting its vineyards on this hill, either by exchange or purchase, since 1956.
Also known as Vignarionda, Vigna Riunda, Arionda or Rotonda, due to the rounded shape of the hill where it is located, it occupies the central part of the hill ridge of the municipality of Serralunga d’Alba.
As in many other areas of the Langa, the soil contains a lot of limestone. We are in the Lequio Formation, made up primarily of clayey marl and, to a lesser extent, sand. The stratification of the soil originates from the geological conformation of the area, which is of sedimentary and marine origin.
Millions of years ago, these hills were a seabed.
The combination of geological characteristics, favourable exposure and a supportive microclimate all contribute to making the grapes that grow in the Vigna Rionda particularly expressive.
How does one achieve a Barolo DOCG Vigna Rionda Riserva? With great sensitivity in the vineyard and a light hand in the cellar. We have a clear philosophy when it comes to making wine: you have to accompany the fruit from vineyard to glass, without forcing it. Elevating, without adding.
Vigna Rionda’s mystery lies in the sum of its characteristics and is manifested in the wonder of the wines it gives. It evolves constantly and gradually: initially rather quiet, Barolo DOCG Vigna Rionda Riserva becomes more eloquent as time goes by, reaching the height of its expression after many years.
What is Vigna Rionda? A Cru, a vineyard, a Barolo, a story, a world. With patience and over time, from sip to sip, it reveals its secret heart.
