2022 Giuseppe Rinaldi, Barbera d’Alba 6x75cl

Giuseppe Rinaldi: The Ultimate Barolo Traditionalist

Located in the village of Barolo, Giuseppe Rinaldi is universally revered as one of the most uncompromising, fiercely independent standard-bearers of old-school winemaking in the Langhe. The estate’s roots trace back to the late 19th century, but its modern identity was indelibly shaped by the late Giuseppe “Beppe” Rinaldi, whose sharp intellect and fierce defence of regional history earned him legendary status among fine wine collectors.

Today, the family legacy is carried forward by his daughters, Marta and Carlotta Rinaldi, who oversee the vineyards and cellar with identical reverence for past methods. Operating from their historic, modest cellars, the Rinaldis champion a natural, low-intervention approach to viticulture, entirely eschewing systemic chemical treatments to protect the biological integrity of their historic soils.

A Structured, Complex, and Classical Style

The definitive style of Giuseppe Rinaldi is intentionally unapologetic: these are intense, chiselled, and highly structured Nebbiolos designed for immense longevity rather than early appeal. In the cellar, the winemaking adheres to an uncompromisingly traditional protocol that completely ignores modern cosmetic trends. Fermentations take place without temperature control using native yeasts in ancient, upright oak vats (tini), involving extended macerations that span up to a month.

The wines are subsequently aged for three to four years in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks (botti grandi) and are bottled without fining or filtration. This patient regimen yields Barolos characterised by high natural acidity and firm, gripping tannins, which slowly evolve to reveal haunting aromas of tar, pressed roses, tobacco, and wild truffles.

Supreme Quality and Elite Cuvée Blending

The world-class quality and strict allocations governing Giuseppe Rinaldi stem from an elite collection of old-vine parcels spread across Piedmont’s most historic crus. Historically, the estate was a fierce defender of the classic blending tradition, marrying fruit from different plots to achieve a natural, balanced harmony. Following a 2010 tightening of regional labeling laws, the estate successfully adapted its portfolio. Today, the flagship wines feature the single-vineyard Barolo Brunate, which captures the dark, powerful register of that iconic site, alongside Barolo Tre Tine, an expertly balanced blend crafted from parcels in Ravera, Cannubi San Lorenzo, and remaining Brunate plots. Celebrated for their spectacular depth, impeccable symmetry, and resistance to passing trends, these rare wines represent the ultimate benchmark for collectors of artisanal Barolo. Learn more about Giuseppe Rinaldi here