Francesco Rinaldi· Alba
About the domain.
Francesco Rinaldi has been making Barolo since 1870, which puts it among the oldest names in the Langhe, and the holdings tell you why I pay attention. Cannubi and Brunate, two of the most coveted crus in Barolo, planted here in 1948 and 1955. Marta and Paola Rinaldi, the fifth generation, run the house from a quiet cantina in Alba with the unhurried precision of people who have nothing left to prove.
The range is traditional Barolo in the most precise sense: no new oak, no whole-cluster, no fining or filtering, with thirty to thirty-six months in large Slavonian botti and forty-eight for the Riserva. The Cannubi Riserva, made only in strong vintages, is the wine I would point anyone to, released in tiny quantities each year.
The Brunate brings more perfume, the Rocche dell'Annunziata its own lift. The Barbera and Dolcetto are everyday wines, serious and made without pretension.
Warm, structured.
The Cannubi is concentrated without excess. Picked 8 October. The Brunate shows more perfume. Both will need a decade.
Classical Barolo.
Late harvest, 15 October. Lower yields from spring frost. The Cannubi Riserva from this vintage is one of the finest I have tasted from the house.
Power vintage.
The heat pushed the harvest to late September. Alcohol slightly higher than Marta would like. The Brunate handles it best.