At a glance

Producer

Francesco Rinaldi & Figli

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$50-65 USD per 750ml bottle (as of 2024 market)

Tasting profile

Ripe cherry, raspberry, dried rose, tar, licorice, subtle spice, significant tannic grip, pronounced structure and freshness. Oak is very restrained, allowing purity of Nebbiolo to show.

Evolution: Over the years, fruit will soften and evolve to dried cherry, fig, leather, earthy truffle, tobacco, and forest floor. Tannins will resolve, texture will become more velvety, floral and savory secondary notes will emerge.

At peak: At peak, expect a harmony of red fruit, dried rose petals, tobacco, earth, refined tannins, and complex tertiary notes with elegant length and balance.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high; classic for Nebbiolo—supports aging and will help preserve freshness as the wine matures.

Tannins

High, youthful, grippy but balanced; needs time for full integration and softening.

Alcohol

Balanced (typically around 14-14.5% ABV); well-integrated but can show slightly prominent in youth.

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage, with core examples sometimes lasting beyond.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2052

Optimal window

2027 to 2055

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Structured, tightly wound, primary fruit forward, requiring several years to fully integrate tannins and secondary aromas.

The peak years (2030-2036) are defined by the optimal resolution of youthful tannins, the integration of acidity and alcohol, and the emergence of complex tertiary aromas and flavors characteristic of classic Barolo. Nebbiolo's structure requires time to soften, and during this window, the wine typically gains textural finesse and aromatic depth. After peak, fruit intensity slowly diminishes, tertiary notes intensify, and the wine gradually declines in vibrancy.

Food pairing

Classic pairings: braised veal shank (ossobuco), truffle risotto, roasted game birds, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, mushroom polenta. For younger Barolo, favor richer, protein-based dishes to offset tannins. As the wine matures, try earthy dishes such as wild mushroom pastas, beef with root vegetables, or medium-aged cheeses. At maturity, delicate game meats or truffle-infused dishes will accentuate its evolved complexity.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The high tannins and youthful character of the wine suggest that decanting will help soften the tannins and enhance the aromatic profile, allowing for better integration and enjoyment.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Traditional viticulture with increasing attention to sustainable practices; minimal intervention in winery, hand-harvesting, some vineyard management improvements toward sustainability.

Francesco Rinaldi & Figli employs classic, low-intervention methods with recent movement toward greater vineyard sustainability, though not formally certified. Overall environmental impact is typical of traditional Barolo producers without specific advanced sustainability programs or formal certifications.