Francesco Rinaldi

Francesco Rinaldi is one of the bigger names from Piedmont in Northern Italy. This winery dates back to the year 1870. That year, Francesco Rinaldi inherited a house with an accompanying vineyard. Over the years, the winery has been handed over to new family members many times. Today, the winery is run by sisters Paola and Piera Rinaldi. Rinaldi mainly grows red grape varieties such as Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto.

The vineyards are spread over Barolo, La Morra and Castiglione Falletto, the three main villages within the Barolo area. Some plots were purchased later. The Rinaldi's own two Grand Cru Barolo vineyards: Brunate and Cannubi. On the Cannubi hill we find the perfect growing conditions for the Nebbiolo grape; southern exposure to the sun and chalk mixed with clay and sand in the soil. This soil composition ensures the right balance and complexity in the wine.

Centuries-old traditions still play an important role in the cellars. Long maceration, fermentation in large wooden barrels (locally called botti) and maturation in Slavonian oak are still very common. A total of twelve different wines are produced, four of which are different Barolos. The Barolo wines age in botti for an average of three years before the wine is bottled. These wines are meant to be kept and get better over time. Patience is a virtue.

The wines are impressive, complex and have a beautiful structure. The showpieces of the winery are the aforementioned crus. Rinaldi's Brunate and Cannubi are real terroir wines and both have their own specific characteristics.

The wines of Francesco Rinaldi are not only very popular among wine lovers, but they also score highly with James Suckling and Robert Parker. Of the past twenty years, the best vintages to buy are: 2006, 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2016.