BAROLO VIGNA RIONDA DOCG

Vigna Rionda is a stunning vineyard that Alessandro Rivetto leases from a friend, who is also a winemaker: there are only 3,000 square metres of land, which yield about 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 defect, 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, along with 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 of which is 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: garnet 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: clay, limestone

Grape varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Year: 2015

Harvest: manual

Vinification: destemming, crushing and cold maceration for 2 days, after which fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature 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

Azienda Agricola Alessandro Rivetto

From the breathtaking views of La Morra to the rolling hills of Sinio, from the prestigious vineyards of the Barbaresco area, in the municipality of Alba, to the ancient soils of Serralunga d’Alba, the estate of the prestigious Alessandro Rivetto preserves and reveals some of the most authentic and emblematic expressions of Langhe. It is a unique heritage expressed in the wines it produces — authentic interpreters of the land, capable of telling its story with new nuances with each harvest. Production stems from careful listening to nature and a deep understanding of the vineyards; it seeks to highlight the unique character of each hillside, transforming it into wines with a distinct and recognisable identity.

A passion for wine and long experience in the sector — developed over a lifetime of learning and observation — are essential attributes of Azienda Agricola Alessandro Rivetto. Alessandro's grandfather — Ercole — introduced him to the vineyards and the cellar, just as his great-grandfather Giovanni had done before him. Ercole had deep ties to his homeland. He knew how to transform his father's intuition and use it as a starting point to explore new productive possibilities.

In Alessandro's own words, «it gave me the pleasure of working with a smile on my face. I learned this from him: to love what I do and do what I love, bringing a smile to the people I meet and to those who taste my wine.»