Massolino Barbera d'Alba "Gisep" 2006

The wine is deep violet-red in colour, with ripe, plummy, blackberry fruit and a hint of vanilla lent by the barriques. On the palate, it is intense, ripe and concentrated, with good depth of lively, plummy fruit, the characteristic smooth, relatively low tannins of good Barbera.

PRODUCER
This 15 hectare estate has been in the Massolino family since 1896. Since 1994 the style of the wines has undergone a subtle transformation. Winemaker Franco Massolino has done a wonderful job of marrying change with a respect for tradition,
something which sets him apart from most of the younger producers in Barolo today. This is in part dictated by the nature of the great vineyards that the Massolino family owns in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba. The Barbera ‘Gisep’ is produced in tiny quantities, and was first produced in 1998.

VINEYARDS
Grapes for this wine came from several vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba. The vines are Guyot-trained and are approximately 30 years old. The plant density ranges from 5,500 to 6,000 vines per hectare depending on the vineyard. Yields are approximately 39hl/ha per hectare. Soils are mixed but predominantly limestone. The grapes are hand picked in mid-October.

VINIFICATION
After 5-7 days of temperature-controlled fermentation (31-34ºC) in stainless steel

Decanter World Wine Awards 2009

Gold Medal Award

A Tasting video with Franco Massolino

http://www.winetastetv.com/video/tastings/nebbiolo/2042/article%3C!---francomassolino---%3E