The Musso winery was founded in 1929 and coincides with one of the most critical moments of the Italian economy and the world, the year of the “Great Depression” Sebastiano Musso, born in 1906, did not lose heart. Even with being left alone at a young age from the untimely death of his father, he found the strength to fight back and establish a small winery in Barbaresco. Valter Musso, a young winemaker, joined the family winery in the mid-eighties, today is a mature man and head of the winery, overseeing the responsibilities in the vineyard and the winery to produce quality wine. Today Musso make wonderful Barbaresco from Rio Sordo and Pora crus and many other beautifully crafted wines.

Rio Sordo is a long, south-west exposed hillside in the southern part of the Barbaresco village, not far from the river. The 2017 Musso Rio Sordo is sourced from a tiny 1 hectare vineyard (at around 250-300m altitude) where the soil is compact, with a predominance of limestone and good presence of clay. Tannins are less dominant, resultant wine seductive, elegant and approachable young. The 2017 was Rated 98+ Points by Luca Gardini, GardiniNotes.

Red fruits, mint, stony things, a smattering of dried herb and a slight raisin ripeness, which kind of subsides as it takes in air. Pulls fresher on the palate, with fine-grained, lightly chalky tannin, red fruits and spice on a clean finish. A little tighter and more precise than the Pora, less succulent and opulent. It’s a good release. I wrote 93 or 94 points. Either is fine. Alcohol: 14.5%; Drink: 2022-2028+; Rated: 94 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Underbrush, new leather, violet and mature forest berry aromas lift out of the glass with a whiff of menthol. On the full-bodied palate, tightly knit, close-grained tannins support dried cherry, spiced cranberry and star anise alongside surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage. A hint of espresso signals the close. Drink 2022–2029; Rating: 94 Points; Wine Enthusiast Magazine