The Story
Massolino Barolo Parafada Cru 2020 is a powerful and refined Nebbiolo from one of Serralunga d'Alba's most renowned crus. Aromas of rose petals, wild cherry and raspberry are layered with notes of licorice, spice and crushed stone. The palate is structured and precise, offering vibrant acidity, firm yet polished tannins and remarkable depth. Its silky texture unfolds into a long, mineral-driven finish marked by elegance, complexity and outstanding aging potential.
Food Pairing: Braised beef, venison, truffle pasta, mushroom risotto and aged hard cheeses.
97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
A ripe brick red color, the 2020 Barolo Parafada is layered, ripe, and spicy, with notes of licorice, dried cherries, incense, cedar, potpourri, and baking spice. Pure and expansive, it’s weightless yet has penetrating richness in its pure notes of kirsch and also offers sweet tannins that weave seamlessly with fresh acidity, followed by an exceptional and long finish. A gorgeous wine from Massolino, it offers a wide drinking window over the coming 15-20 years.
96 Points - James Suckling
Notes of dried raspberries, cherries, dried orange peel and ground spices. Some tar. Medium-bodied, structured and firm, with polished tannins. I like the energy and length here. Round and refined with a bright finish. So well done. Drink after 2027.
96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
No one consistently interprets Serralunga d'Alba fruit as well as Franco and Roberto Massolino. Their 2020 Barolo Parafada is an exceptional wine that doles out elegant tones of iron, rusty metal, blood orange and lavender. The high alcohol content (measured at 15%) presents a small distraction, but otherwise this wine is very tight, supple and almost glossy in texture.
96 Points - Decanter
Parafada is a small MGA in a basin with full south, east and west exposures. Massolino's interpretation is surgical: super-zesty with earthy strawberry, liquorice, fresh violet and a Pinot-like elegance. The palate shows a richness with juicy, brilliant acidity, silky tannins and an amazing finish with blood orange vibrancy. Graceful, with good strength for ageing.
95 Points - Wine Spectator
A mix of bright cherry and raspberry fruit, eucalyptus, menthol, iron and tobacco heralds this structured yet succulent red. Expressive, with the potential for aging, too. Shows fine balance, complexity and length.
Description
Massolino Barolo Parafada Cru 2020 is a powerful and refined Nebbiolo from one of Serralunga d'Alba's most renowned crus. Aromas of rose petals, wild cherry and raspberry are layered with notes of licorice, spice and crushed stone. The palate is structured and precise, offering vibrant acidity, firm yet polished tannins and remarkable depth. Its silky texture unfolds into a long, mineral-driven finish marked by elegance, complexity and outstanding aging potential.
Food Pairing: Braised beef, venison, truffle pasta, mushroom risotto and aged hard cheeses.
97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
A ripe brick red color, the 2020 Barolo Parafada is layered, ripe, and spicy, with notes of licorice, dried cherries, incense, cedar, potpourri, and baking spice. Pure and expansive, it’s weightless yet has penetrating richness in its pure notes of kirsch and also offers sweet tannins that weave seamlessly with fresh acidity, followed by an exceptional and long finish. A gorgeous wine from Massolino, it offers a wide drinking window over the coming 15-20 years.
96 Points - James Suckling
Notes of dried raspberries, cherries, dried orange peel and ground spices. Some tar. Medium-bodied, structured and firm, with polished tannins. I like the energy and length here. Round and refined with a bright finish. So well done. Drink after 2027.
96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
No one consistently interprets Serralunga d'Alba fruit as well as Franco and Roberto Massolino. Their 2020 Barolo Parafada is an exceptional wine that doles out elegant tones of iron, rusty metal, blood orange and lavender. The high alcohol content (measured at 15%) presents a small distraction, but otherwise this wine is very tight, supple and almost glossy in texture.
96 Points - Decanter
Parafada is a small MGA in a basin with full south, east and west exposures. Massolino's interpretation is surgical: super-zesty with earthy strawberry, liquorice, fresh violet and a Pinot-like elegance. The palate shows a richness with juicy, brilliant acidity, silky tannins and an amazing finish with blood orange vibrancy. Graceful, with good strength for ageing.
95 Points - Wine Spectator
A mix of bright cherry and raspberry fruit, eucalyptus, menthol, iron and tobacco heralds this structured yet succulent red. Expressive, with the potential for aging, too. Shows fine balance, complexity and length.
