Grape

Nebbiolo

Its Origins

The great traditionalist estate of Francesco Rinaldi e Figli is one of the greatest names in Piemonte. Located in the town of Barolo itself, the domaine of Francesco Rinaldi has a long and illustrious history in the region. Founded in 1870, when Francesco Rinaldi inherited a vineyard and house in Barolo, inducing him to leave behind his work with the very large Mirafiore estate and set out on his own. His family at that time also had ties to the then greatest estate in the Barolo region, Barale-Rinaldi. Francesco was the cousin of Giuseppe Rinaldi, and together these two superb family wineries have marched down through time side by side, both upholding the unique, traditional style of Barolo that has also been championed by other great names in Piemonte, such as Bartolo Mascarello and Bruno Giacosa. One hundred and thirty years later, much of the same techniques are still used in the Francesco Rinaldi cellars to produce some of Barolo’s greatest wines. The current head of the family estate is the spry, nearly 90-year old Luciano Rinaldi, who took over the reigns of the family winery all the way back in 1941. Today he is ably assisted by his nieces, Paola & Piera Rinaldi, and they continue to make beautiful wines within the great traditions of Barolo, with no new oak, long macerations and long aging in large Slavonian oak botti prior to bottling. In fact, about the only thing that has changed here is that Luciano no longer crushes the grapes by foot himself, as a new press is one of the only nods to modernity in these great old cellars.

What The Critics Say

94/100 Wine Enthusiast

"Fragrant and refined, this opens with alluring scents of iris, woodland berry, clove and balsamic whiffs of eucalyptus. On the focused, racy palate, youthfully austere but extremely elegant tannins and vibrant acidity provide the backbone for crunchy cherry, crushed strawberry, licorice and white pepper." Drink 2024 - 2034

16/20 JancisRobinson.com, Walter Speller

"Barolo. Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Soft, subdued yet concentrated and with a touch of cherry confiture. Aromatic cherry palate with a good dose of tart acidity. Still embryonic but well balanced. (WS)" Drink 2019 - 2025

95/100 Antonio Galloni (2013 vintage)

"A dark, powerful Barolo, 2013 Brunate is another wine that is built for the cellar. The brooding, mysterious side of Brunate comes through in a dense, muscular Barolo built on structure and acidity. Traditionally leaning palates will adore the 2013 Brunate. A host of balsamic-inflected notes lead into the firm, unyielding finish, adding to the wine's gravitas and seriousness. This is an especially somber, powerful wine, even by Brunate standards."