Barolo Brunate 2016 Giuseppe Rinaldi

Barolo Brunate by Giuseppe Rinaldi: The Purest Expression of Tradition

The Barolo Brunate by Giuseppe Rinaldi is one of the most authentic and prestigious expressions of Nebbiolo in the Langhe region. This wine embodies the essence of tradition, following ancient winemaking methods that respect the terroir and give the Barolo extraordinary longevity.

History and Philosophy

The Giuseppe Rinaldi winery, founded in the late 19th century, is a cornerstone of traditional Barolo. The Rinaldi family has always rejected modern enological trends, favoring a winemaking approach that respects the land and the characteristics of each vintage. The Barolo Brunate was born from the desire to produce a wine of great character, capable of evolving over time while preserving its identity.

Today, Giuseppe Rinaldi’s philosophy is carried forward with the same passion by his daughters, Marta and Carlotta Rinaldi, who maintain tradition with spontaneous fermentations, long macerations, and aging in large Slavonian oak casks.

Vineyard and Terroir

The Brunate cru is one of the most renowned vineyards in the Barolo denomination. Located between La Morra and Barolo, this site is distinguished by its calcareous and clayey soil, which provides structure and depth to the wine. At an altitude of approximately 350 meters above sea level, with a southwest exposure, the vineyard ensures optimal grape ripening, giving Barolo Brunate power, elegance, and remarkable aromatic complexity.

Vinification and Aging

The Barolo Brunate follows a traditional vinification process to maximize the pure expression of Nebbiolo:

• Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, without temperature control.

• Extended maceration on the skins for over 30 days, ensuring complete extraction of aromas and tannins.

• Aging in large Slavonian oak casks for around 42 months, a method that preserves the authenticity of the grape and terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet red, with orange reflections that intensify over time.

• Aroma: Complex and layered, with notes of ripe cherry, dried rose, spices, tobacco, and forest floor, enhanced by balsamic and ethereal hints.

• Taste: Structured and profound, with velvety tannins and vibrant acidity supporting a long, persistent finish, featuring hints of leather, licorice, and earthy undertones.

Food Pairings

The balance and complexity of Barolo Brunate make it an ideal pairing for structured and flavorful dishes such as:

• Braised beef in Barolo wine

• Game meats (wild boar, venison)

• Aged cheeses like Castelmagno and Parmigiano Reggiano

• Tajarin pasta with Alba white truffle

Serving Temperature

To fully appreciate its nuances, serve Barolo Brunate at 18°C (64°F), after decanting for at least 4-5 hours.

Alcohol Content

Barolo Brunate has an alcohol content of approximately 14.5%, perfectly balanced by its acidity and tannic structure.

Conclusion

The Barolo Brunate by Giuseppe Rinaldi is one of the highest expressions of traditional Langhe winemaking. Deep, austere, and long-lived, this wine reflects the Rinaldi family’s philosophy: respect for the land, natural vinification, and a Barolo capable of standing the test of time. A must-have for lovers of great Piedmontese wines.

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The Giuseppe Rinaldi winery is one of the most iconic in Piedmont, a name that evokes tradition, authenticity, and resistance to trends. Located in Barolo, this estate has built its reputation by producing wines that embody the true essence of Nebbiolo and the Langhe region. Their style, deeply rooted in traditional methods, avoids modernist influences, instead focusing on long macerations, large Slavonian oak barrels, and an absolute respect for the vintage and terroir.

Origins and Philosophy

The winery’s history dates back to the late 19th century, when the Rinaldi family began producing wine in Barolo. However, it was with Giuseppe Rinaldi, affectionately known as “Beppe,” that the winery became a true symbol of artisanal winemaking. Originally trained as a veterinarian, Beppe firmly opposed modern and commercial winemaking techniques, always defending a Barolo of structure and depth, capable of evolving for decades.

Today, Giuseppe’s legacy is carried on by his daughters, Marta and Carlotta Rinaldi, who continue the winemaking tradition while maintaining the family’s core values: manual vineyard work, spontaneous fermentations, and extended aging periods.

Vineyards and Terroir

The winery owns some of the finest Barolo crus: Brunate, Cannubi San Lorenzo, Le Coste, and Ravera, vineyards that produce deep, complex wines. The vineyards are farmed with sustainable practices, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals to fully express the uniqueness of the land.

Winemaking Style

Rinaldi wines are renowned for their traditional approach:

• Spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts, without temperature control.

• Long macerations on the skins, often exceeding 30 days, for a natural extraction of color, tannins, and aromas.

• Aging in large Slavonian oak barrels for several years, avoiding barriques to preserve the integrity of Nebbiolo.

Iconic Wines

Giuseppe Rinaldi’s Barolos are among the most sought-after in the world due to their purity and longevity. The two flagship labels are:

• Barolo Brunate: From one of the most prestigious crus, this is a powerful and structured wine with extraordinary aging potential.

• Barolo Tre Tine: A blend of different vineyards (Le Coste, Cannubi San Lorenzo, and Ravera), offering a more elegant and refined expression of Barolo with remarkable aromatic complexity.

Conclusion

Giuseppe Rinaldi represents an ancient and noble way of winemaking, where patience and respect for nature take center stage. His wines, age-worthy and expressive, are not designed to impress immediately but to reveal, over time, the true soul of Barolo.