Francesco Rinaldi, Barolo “Cannubio”

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 “Cannubbio”. Cannubbio is the more powerful of the two Barolo crus – its tannins are a little more prominent, its flavors exhibit a bit more mushroom and earth, and it ages more slowly. Thus it’s a good candidate for cellaring, although in most vintages the wine is approachable upon release, especially after decanting.

Region: Piedmont
Production Area: Barolo, (Cuneo)
Appellation: Barolo DOCG
Vintage: 2003
Varietal Blend: 100% Nebbiolo
Planting System: Guyot
Vineyard: The Cannubbio vineyard is at 900 feet above sea level on a south, southeastern exposure.
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 Slavonian oak barrels and 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  – 89 Points

“Rinaldi’s 2003 Barolo Cannubbio reveals the floral, spice and small red fruit notes that are the hallmarks of this site. This feminine Barolo offers excellent length and well-integrated tannins. The presence of early tertiary aromas suggests this may not be an extremely long-lived wine, although that is measured in relative terms considering the longevity of prior vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.”

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