Barolo
This is a blend of several Barolo Crus – Rocche dell’Annunziata in La Morra, Sarmassa and Vignane in Barolo, and Codana in Castiglione Falletto. Though it is a great candidate for cellaring, it is approachable upon release, and shows well after an hour or so in a decanter.
Appellation: Barolo DOCG
Type: Red, dry
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Color: Ruby garnet red with slightly orange highlights after aging.
Bouquet: Ethereal, pressed rose, red berry, wild herb and a whiff of new leather lead the way.
Taste: Austere, flavorful, with a taut, vibrant palate. Notes of pomegranate, cranberry, white pepper and star anise overlay the distinctive Barolo dried-cherry, all of this is set against a firm backbone of racy acidity and assertive, tightly-knit tannins.
Alcohol: 14-15% (varies with vintage).
Serving Suggestion: Serve at a 16-17°C (61-63°F) in a tall, fairly wide goblet.
Pairing: Red meat, braised meats, game and most any cheese – especially a pecorino with truffles.
Production Area: Communes of Barolo (sub-areas Sarmassa, Vignane), La Morra (sub-areas Rocche dell'Annunziata), Castiglione Falletto (sub-area Codana).
Vine: Nebbiolo Michet and Lampia.
Training System: Guyot.
Soil: The soil is sandy, more or less compact depending on the zone, with sandstone in Barolo and Castiglione Falletto and more clay and calcareous components in La Morra.
Total Area: 3 hectares.
Age of Vines: Planted from 1980 - 1990.
Harvest: Middle of October.
Vinification: Fermented in temperature-controlled cement or stainless steel tanks with skin contact for 25-30 days. After racking, the various lots of wine are blended and aged in large-capacity (5,000 L).
Aging: Approximately three-years in Slavonian oak barrels . The wine is then refined in bottles where it continues to evolve while developing elegance and harmony as it matures.
2010 Barolo - 90+ Points – Vinous Media (Sept 2014)
“Rinaldi's 2010 Barolo captures the essence of this great vintage in its purity, tension and energy. A host of exotic spices, tangerine, soy, crushed flowers and tobacco lend nuance on the bright red-toned fruit. All the Nebbiolo signatures come together in a very pretty, exquisite Barolo that punches above its weight. The estate's Barolo is made from a handful of parcels scattered across Barolo, La Morra and Castiglione Falletto." ~ A.G.
2010 Barolo - 90 Points – James Suckling (Aug 2014)
“Light-colored red with an amber edge. Aromas of tar, ripe strawberry, flower and walnut follow through to a medium to full body, fine, chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Better in 2016 when it softens."
2009 Barolo - 90 Points – Vinous Media (Oct 2013)
“Rinaldi’s 2009 Barolo is a gorgeous, entry-level wine. The open, resonant personality of the year comes through, but at the same time, there is more than enough tannin and structure to balance those elements. Super-classic hints of tobacco, menthol, anise and crushed flowers add complexity on the finish. This is a delicious Barolo to drink now and over the next decade.”. ~A.G.
