This is the only Massolino Barolo cru that comes from a vineyard beyond the boundaries of Serralunga — "the egg outside the nest," as an old Piemontese saying goes. Having said that, it isn’t too far away, with the vineyard sitting on a ridge, right alongside the Serralunga boundary, just on the Castiglione Falletto side of the border. The blue, iron-rich Sant'Agata marls here carry more silt and less clay and limestone than in Serralunga, making for more vigorous vines and a distinct style for Massolino. The family was drawn to the excellent southeast-to-southwest exposure, the old vines (now almost 60 years) and the vineyard's 290-metre altitude. Early releases needed time in the cellar, but the wines have grown increasingly refined over the years, and Giovanni believes the vineyard has now found its sweet spot. As for all the crus, this was fermented in large oak fermenters and aged exclusively in large casks. The 2022 is absolutely outstanding, as the Galloni note below makes clear.