At a glance

Producer

Giuseppe Rinaldi

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$800-$1,200 (2024, depending on condition and provenance)

Tasting profile

Aromas of dried rose petals, tar, truffle, leather, dried cherries, orange peel, earthy spices. Palate is harmonious—silky, complex, with faded primary fruit, nutty forest notes, and an elegantly savory, mineral character.

Evolution: Primary red cherry, wild strawberry, and violet notes have evolved into dried fruits, tobacco, mushrooms, and balsamic elements.

At peak: At peak: expressive florality, incredible depth, subtle minerality, and a captivating blend of sweet fruit and earthy, animale nuances.

Structure

Acidity

High, providing excellent freshness and longevity.

Tannins

Firm but well-integrated with age, grippy and persistent.

Alcohol

13.5%-14% (typical for tradition-minded Barolo in this vintage)

Aging potential

Peak reached, should be consumed before 2027 for optimal quality.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2018 to 2044

Optimal window

2015 to 2047

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Expect fully resolved tannins, deep tertiary complexity, but freshness and fruit may be starting to fade by the late 2020s.

Barolo from traditionalists like Rinaldi ages slowly and gracefully, building in complexity and harmony after 10-15 years. 2007 was a plush, ripe vintage, and this wine's structure has carried it beautifully into maturity. However, past 2025, tertiary notes may dominate, and fruit will fade.

Food pairing

Classic pairings: Truffle risotto, braised veal (ossobuco), wild mushroom dishes, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, game birds, or roasted lamb. Avoid spicy heat or overly sweet dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Decanting helps release tertiary aromas and softens any remaining tannic grip. Careful decanting also helps separate from possible sediment.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Giuseppe Rinaldi is known for eschewing chemicals, using green manure, cover crops, manual labor, and minimum intervention. Old barrels, no new oak. Spontaneous fermentation. Low sulfur addition. Focus on biodiversity and farm resilience.

Rinaldi is a classic example of sustainability through tradition: low yields, sustainable vineyard stewardship, minimal chemicals, and a deep respect for land and terroir. The absence of certification is primarily due to philosophical choice and tradition over marketing. Global popularity increases transport footprint, especially to non-European markets. Overall, an above-average example of environmental responsibility in fine wine.