Rinaldi Francesco

Italy Piedmont Alba

'The transformation that has taken place at Francesco Rinaldi over the last few years is truly remarkable. It wasn’t that long ago that the wines were harsh, lean and excessively austere, even within the context of traditionally made Barolo. Not any more. Today’s wines are cut with beautiful precision and show exceptional harmony. Even better, they won’t take decades to come around.' - ANTONIO GALLONI

Just outside the town of Barolo and right next to the famous Cannubi vineyard lies the historic cantina of Francesco Rinaldi & Figli, one of a handful of remaining traditional Barolo producers.

Grandfather Giovanni created the winery in 1870, after inheriting a vineyard in Barolo and walking there from his native Diano d’Alba. 

The family began bottling wine under its own name in 1906. Grandson Luciano Rinaldi and now his niece Paola Rinaldi continue the traditions started almost 140 years ago. 


They farm 10 hectares (25 acres) of vineyards and purchase an additional 10-15% of grapes from growers with whom they have long-term relationships.

The family’s wines include three Barolos, a Barbaresco, a Dolcetto d’Alba, and a rare Grignolino d’Asti. 
The jewels in the crown are their two Barolo crus Cannubbio and Le Brunate, two of the most famous vineyards in the entire Barolo zone.

The wine-making is traditional – long fermentation and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels (botti) – and impeccably clean. The wines are above all elegant and refined. “Classic” is an over-used descriptor for the wines of the classic Barolo zone, but in this case the description definitely fits.

The Rinaldi vineyards are farmed organically. The fruit undergoes a month-long pre-fermentation maceration/fermentation/post-fermentation maceration or a month in tall, un-cooled, Slovenian oak vats. Indigenous yeasts are utilized in this effort. 

Cap management is via twice/day pump overs along with some manual punchdowns. Grape solids are sent to a basket press at the end of the maceration.

The wines are aged in big botti for 3 to 5 years. 

They are racked once or twice per year during the first two years but are untouched in the third.

Wine available
Wine Type Size Score Status Price

Rinaldi Francesco Barolo Docg 2018 Brunate

Rinaldi Francesco

Italy Piedmont Langhe

  • Red
  • 0,75lt
  • 93 wa
  • IS
Red 0,75lt
93 wa
IS
Price £44.94

Rinaldi Francesco Barolo Docg 2019 Cannubi

Rinaldi Francesco

Italy Piedmont Langhe

  • Red
  • 0,75lt
  • 95 wa
  • IS
Red 0,75lt
95 wa
IS
Price £51.86