Massimo Martinelli along with his muse and life partner, Angioletta De Giorgis, operate Bricco Mollea from their estate in Vicoforte—a happy mix between home, winery, vineyard, art studio, and a small boutique hotel called Antica Meridiana Relais Art. Massimo, the longtime winemaker at Renato Ratti and president of the Barolo Consorzio for a period, retired some years ago, but has continued to make small quantities of Barolo, Langhe Nebbiolo, and Dolcetto on the side under his own label. Besides being a lauded winemaker, Massimo is also a prolific artist and writer.

The name, Il Barolo Letterario, references both Massimo’s words on the label as well as his memoir on making wine in the Langhe, entitled Barolo Come Lo Sento Io (Barolo as I feel it), which includes an English translation, for those interested in diving deep into the world of Barolo.

The Barolo is supremely classic and reflects Massimo’s decades-long love affair with the Langhe and the classic hand he developed with his uncle Renato Ratti. Notes of laurel, licorice and dried rose petals greet your nose, while dehydrated mushrooms, iron, a touch of red fruit, and firm tannins fill your palate.