Rizzi - Barbaresco Rizzi 2020

Born in Alba, Italy in 1940 Ernesto Dellapiana's passion for the land of the Langhe and winemaking drove him to reclaim a historic lost family property. The starting point for Rizzi begins in 1973 with the acquisition of the Rizzi farmhouse and its vineyards on the two sides of the hill (Cru Rizzi) and Cru Nervo, a 4-hectare (9.88 acres) plot under the village of Treiso. The Rizzi Winery continued to expand with the addition of the Boito farmhouse and the adjacent Vigna Boito, still inside the Cru Rizzi, in 1984. The Manzola farmhouse and its vineyards were purchased in 1997.

Between 2004 and 2018 the family purchased 3 hectares (7.41 acres) of vineyards in the Cru Pajorè, 5 hectares (12.35 acres) of Podere Stella at Neviglie and 1.5 hectares (3.70 acres) in the Cru Giacone and 3 hectares (7.41 acres) of the Cru Bricco di Neive.

In 2004, after graduating from the University of Turn with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology, Enrico Dellapiana followed his older sister Jole to Rizzi.  A passionate winemaker and a talented painter, Enrico strives to make wines that are “alive”; clean, pure and elegant. Enrico designs the Barbaresco Rizzi Riserva Boito labels for each vintage and hand paints each individual label for the limited magnum production of this special wine. His creative passions shine through in both his winemaking and artistic sensibilities.

Treiso is located almost directly south of the classic town of Barbaresco. The gentle rolling hills steeped in Piedmont history. The Rizzi estate is comprised of 40 total hectares (98.84 acres) located primarily in this famous Trieso zone. Elevation ranges between 200m and 430m (656ft and 1410.76ft), with 20 hectares (49.42 acres) of Nebbiolo planted. The vines produce elegant and sophisticated wines from the vineyard crus Rizzi (from which a Riserva Vigna Boito is also born), Pajoré, Nervo, Manzola, Giacone, and Bricco di Neive. An additional 20 hectares (49.42 acres) of the estate produce Langhe Nebbiolo, Dolceto D’Alba, Barbera D’Alba and Moscato D’Asti from vineyards in the nearby zone of Neviglie.

It is impossible to visit this very special zone of Barbaresco without traversing the impressive, steep, vine-clad hills of Treiso and partaking in the warm hospitality of their peoples. Their protection of this idyllic environment and the validation of the region and its estates are essential guidelines for the continued growth and work of the Rizzi winery and the Dellapiana family.

This is classic Barbaresco: notes of fresh fruit and underbrush combine to create Rizzi’s signature Barbaresco elegance and purity. Prominent in the mouth with a lingering longevity on the finish, also portending great ageability.

"A fragrant nose of red berries, spiced cherries, dried herbs, lavender and mild spices. Medium body with fine tannins and crisp acidity. Fresh and precise with balance and character. It’s well-rounded with volume on the mid-palate. Silky texture and a precise, flavorful finish with excellent length. Drink or hold." - 93 Points, James Suckling

"The aromas of this Barbaresco are like a softly focused black and white photo that has you doing double takes, as dried cherry, black tea and dried herbs entice you into the glass. Tart red-berried fruits that are perfectly ripe shine on the palate while savory spices and forest floor-like notes elevate the wine to the next level as supple tannins dance across the palate. Drink now–2035" - 95 Points, Robert Parker

Producer: Rizzi

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation: Barbaresco

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml