BAROLO VIGNA RIONDA DOCG

Vigna Rionda is a stunning vineyard that Alessandro Rivetto leases from a friend, also a winemaker: it's just 3,000 square meters of land, yielding around 1,500 bottles per year, plus some larger formats. For Alessandro, the soil here exudes a faint aroma of organic fertiliser. This note is not a flaw, but a virtue.

To fully appreciate this wine, one must study its terroir and give it time. Ideally, one should open at least one bottle per year to fully understand Vigna Rionda, considered one of the most extraordinary Barolo crus, alongside Cannubi and Cerequio.

Barolo, the king of Italian wines: the territory where Barolo is produced covers 11 small villages, namely Barolo, which gives it its name, La Morra, Verduno, Serra Lunga d'Alba, and Castiglione Falleto. To be considered a Barolo, it must comply with several rules, the most important being ageing for a minimum period of 38 months, extending to 62 months for Riserva. Barolo is a wine that improves with bottle age, so it is advisable to keep it.

Tasting notes: grenadine colour and orange reflections, intense and ethereal aroma. Its flavour is austere, yet velvety, robust, and harmonious. Strong and persistent tannins.

Vineyard

Municipality: Serralunga d'Alba

Soil type: clayey, calcareous

Grape varieties: 100% nebbiolo

Year: 2015

Harvest: manual

Winemaking: destemming, crushing, and cold maceration for 2 days, after which fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures in steel tanks. Maceration lasts approximately 20 days. Ageing for a period of 38 months, of which at least 18 in oak barrels.

Alcohol content: 14.5%

Winemaker: Alessandro Bonelli

Serving temperature: 18 °C. Open the bottle at least 2 hours before serving.

Awards and distinctions:

Wine Enthusiast 2025 — 91

James Suckling 2025 — 94