Francesco Rinaldi, Barolo “Le Brunate”

The Barolo production area is in the Cuneo's province, Southwest of Alba, in Piedmont.
It is produced in the communes of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba and parts of the communes of Cherasco, Diano d'Alba, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Novello, Roddi, Verduno, all in the province of Cuneo. Only vineyards in the hills with suitable slopes and orientations are considered suitable for production, and the terrains must be primarily clayey-calcareous in character.

This wine comes from the vineyards of “La Brunata”. This area produces austere and intense wines with a full and well-balanced and offer a delicate, elegant bouquet.

Region: Piedmont
Production Area: Barolo, La Morra(Cuneo)
Appellation: Barolo DOCG
Varietal Blend: 100% Nebbiolo
Planting System: Guyot
Vineyard: The Brunata vineyard is at 1,000 feet above sea level and is exposed to the south.
Soil: Clayey with a mix of blue marl, tuff and sand. This soil is also called Tortonian and it allows for great drainage.
Harvest: Middle of October
Yield: 3.5 tons per acre
Alcohol: 14.5%
Vinification: A prolonged fermentation of 25-30 days in stainless steel tanks and periodic pump-overs.
Aging: Three years in large neutral Slavonian oak barrels.  It spends another year in the bottle.
Total Production: 10.000  bottles

Tasting Notes: Garnet red color with orangey hues. Spicy aromas with notes of cocoa, In the mouth is full and round with well defined yet supple tannins that leave the palate clean with a long aromatic persistence.

Food Pairings: Wild game, red meat dishes and aged cheese.

REVIEWS from The Wine Advocate:
Francesco Rinaldi Barolo Le Brunate 2003  – 91 Points

The 2003 Barolo Brunate is another terrific effort from a vineyard that has yielded many of the vintage's top wines. It is surprisingly approachable for a young wine from this estate, with a compelling array of ripe plums, figs, caramel, cocoa menthol and spices. Even though the fruit is very ripe, this Barolo remains fresh and offers notable balance as well as harmony. Elegant tannins and a plush, generous personality make this a highly attractive Barolo. The Brunate reveals livelier color and a more vibrant personality than the Cannubbio. It will require a few additional years of patience but should offer more development over time. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026.

These new releases from Francesco Rinaldi represent a big step up in quality from previous vintages. Rinaldi's wines are among the most traditional interpretations of Barolo. I have been fortunate to taste Rinaldi's wines back to 1958. They are extremely age worthy, structured Barolos that require considerable patience, although these 2003s may very well prove to be an exception.”
By Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate #173, October 2007

REVIEWS from Wine Spectator:
Francesco Rinaldi Barolo Le Brunate 2003  – 89 Points

Has lovely cherry and ripe strawberry character. Full and silky, with fine tannins and a clean, fruity finish. Already delicious. Best after 2009. –JS
December 15, 2007