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

92-95/100 Vinous, Antonio Galloni

"The 2016 Barolo Cannubi brings together all the best elements of the year with the natural pedigree of this site. Fresh and vibrant in the glass, with terrific underlying structure, the Cannubi is a Barolo of captivating aromatic intensity and drive that is shaping up to be a real beauty. In 2016, hail was a factor. The estate opted to use some of the affected fruit in the straight Barolo, which then had the effect of lowering production for the single vineyard wine by about 30%. As for the wine itself, well, it is pretty stellar."

17/20 JancisRobinson.com, Walter Speller (2014 vintage)

"Barolo. Tasted blind. Mid to deep ruby with orange tinges. Balsamic lifted cherry nose with hints of cardamom pod. Minty cherry and raspberry fruit and bags of coating tannins. It will need more time for the whole to come together. Chewy, long finish that is just medium bodied. (WS)." Drink 2019 - 2026

91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)

"Iris, clove and wild berry aromas align with a whiff of camphor. On the elegant medium-bodied palate, refined tannins and bright acidity provide support for Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and licorice." Drink 2020 - 2026