A short jaunt to Piedmont in northern Italy today on the blog, as I wanted to present a gorgeous producer of Barolo. Pietro Rinaldi’s vineyards are located south of Torino in Cascina "Cicchetta", as they have Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Arneis and Moscato planted. Grass is left among the rows of vines and biodynamic farming is used without herbicides to respect biological and vegetative cycles. Grape thinning and harvest are done by hand.
I had a chance to review two great vintages in Barolo, 2010 and 2011. Our International Wine Report head editor Joe D’Angelo has described the 2010 vintage as “classic and more structured than 2011.” Joe explained “2010 had slightly cooler temperatures but very stable and consistent conditions throughout the growing season. This lead to steady ripening and age-worthy, structured Barolos as well as more polished tannins. 2011 had ideal weather early on, however, cooler summer months were followed by a significant heat spike late in the season. This was a bit of a shock to the vines, and resulted in a rapid increase in sugar levels leading to an early harvest. Overall, the quality in 2011 is more vineyard specific, as wines showed notable differences in structure, acidity and sugar levels throughout the entire region.”
The wines by Pietro Rinaldi reflected that vintage variation. The 2010 had more firm tannins and a slightly broader range of aromatics and flavors than the 2011. The 2011 was. slightly less classic and a touch more forward, as it needed less time in the decanter to unwind. These wines were both gorgeous at this stage. Learn more about this wonderful estate at http://www.pietrorinaldi.com/pagine/eng/vini_rinaldi/barolo_monvigliero.lasso Here are the fantastic 2010 and 2011 releases from Pietro Rinaldi.
2010 Pietro Rinaldi Barolo- This gorgeous Barolo begins with sexy aromatics of black truffle oil, forest floor, cigar box, pencil shavings, red cherry and red currant. The slight mustiness and vegetal quality to this wine is truly lovely. The palate is lithe, currently displaying flavors of cram-cherry, pink bubblegum, blood orange, red raspberry and mulberry accents with forest floor. Thew range of flavors and aromatics is striking. With light tannins at the end, this is drinking remarkably well despite its obvious youth. If enjoying now, be sure to give this wine a two hour plus decant. Drink 2017-2030- 93
2011 Pietro Rinaldi Barolo- A slightly more translucent core than the ’10 Barolo, this expressive bottling begins with aromatics of rose petals, teaberry, cran-orange, red raspberry and hints of wild mushroom. There are flavors reminiscent of ripe cranberry, orange rind, cigar box, black truffle crudo, smoke and nutmeg. The finish lingers to this wonderful wine. Drink 2017-2028- 92