Rizzi
Barbaresco Nervo – 2016
Region: italy - piedmont
Rizzi
Nestled at the very top of the impressively steep, vine-clad hills of the Treiso zone of Barbaresco, the winery’s vineyards were planted as early as the 1960’s in the white marl, calcareous soil typical of this area. An impressive selection of cru Barbaresci is punctuated by the spectacular Vigna Boito located at the peak of the Rizzi cru. The estate is managed entirely by the Dellapiana family with son Enrico as winemaker and viticulturist. Rizzi Winery participates in “The Green Experience” project which mandates guidelines for environmentally sustainable production.
Grapes / Soils
| Barbaresco Nervo | Nebbiolo | Planted 1974, 1997, 2005 | white marl clayey- calcareous, alternated by sand | 3.8 ha |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
The Barbaresco Nervo is produced from Nebbiolo grapes harvested in the Crü Nervo. This Crü is situated under the village of Treiso. It represents the continuity with the great vine-clad hill of Rizzi and it’s meeting point of two of the most important Crüs of Barbaresco (Bernardot and Rizzi). Everything conspires to make this, one of the finest vineyards in the entire Barbaresco area. First of all, the vines enjoy a perfect south-facing location, with heights above sea level that range from 310 to 370 metres. In addition, the very steep slope makes work in the vineyard difficult and even dangerous, but it also improves drainage and, above all, ensure greater exposure to sunlight. Finally, this idyllic picture is completed by the soil composition, which is a very unfertile white marl that manages to imbue the grapes with elegance and power in equal measure.
- Village: Treiso
- Crü: Nervo
- Altitude: 310-370 meters
- Exposure: South
- Soil: white marl clayey-calcareous, alternated by sand
- Training System: Guyot
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested in first week of October
- Fermentation and Maceration: in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures below 30-32°C, for about 3 weeks
- Malolactic Fermentation: normally lasts a month after primary fermentation
- Aging: 12 months in oak barrels, then concrete tanks for 8-12 months, and then in bottle before selling, 3 years after the harvest
Winemaker's Notes
Red garnet color with slight orange note. Clear and bright with fine perfumes, elegant, full, with purple berries, rose and red berries beginning with raspberry, then spices, especially cinnamon, with a vein of licorice. On the palate, it impresses with its beautiful dense matter, earther and mineral, to underscore the perfectly ripe tannins that do not bite. The tannins are rightly felt for a warm and sweet fruit, not without some rough youth. Wine characterized by elegance and femininity.
Wine Summary
100% Nebbiolo; alcohol: 14.5%; vines planted 1967 – 2004 at 310-370 meters; soils white marl clayey-calcareous with sand; fermented in stainless steel, aged in 50Hl oak barrels for 12 months, then concrete tanks for 8-12 months, then in bottle until 3 years after harvest.
Technical Information
- 100% Nebbiolo
- Alcohol: 14.5%
Reviews
92 Points
The 2016 Barbaresco Nervo is a thickly or loosely textured expression that offers more power and richness than your standard Nebbiolo from this appellation. This wine is robust and nicely concentrated and pushes forward over the palate with great determination. After a few years in the bottle, you might serve this with Piedmont’s classic finanziera, a hearty peasant’s stew of sweetbreads and other innards. Drink Date 2020 – 2023
© Wine Advocate, June, 2019
17+ Points
Mid crimson. Less apparent perfume than the regular bottling at this stage. Notably sweet start and some real nerve. Fine tannins all curled up for a long winter sleep. 2026 – 2040
JancisRobinson.com, November, 2018
95 Points
Aromas of wild berry, rose and baking spice align with a whiff of menthol. Elegantly focused, the vibrant, youthfully austere palate delivers crushed raspberry, Morello cherry and licorice framed in taut, close-grained tannins and fresh acidity before a rather drying, tight finish. Give it a few more years to fully unwind. Drink 2024–2036.
Wine Enthusiast, October, 2019
92 Points
Ruby-red. Expressive musky aromas of red berries, tobacco and herbs. Then sweeter and lusher than the Rizzi but a bit youthfully reduced. Most impressive today on the tangy, fine-grained finish, which displays sneaky length and concentration. Cellar this for four or five years before pulling the cork. Drinking window: 2025-2035
Terroir Sense - Ian D'Agata, March, 2021
95 Points
Another very pretty but serious Barbaresco, revealing a whole lot of flowers — everything from violets to lavender to dried rose petals. The full-bodied palate carefully melds muscular tannins with chewy fruit, while the forthright acidity carries the finish long and elegant. Spectacular! Drink from 2023.
jamessuckling.com, November, 2019
93 Points
This large estate produces four single-vineyard Barbaresco wines, and in 2016 all are of high quality, although the south-facing Nervo seems the most distinguished, if by a whisker. The Dellapiana family dislike oakiness in their wines, and this is aged both in large casks and concrete tanks. The nose is juicy and upfront, with seductive red fruit aromas. It’s plump and silky, vibrant and lifted, with elegant tannins. There’s a welcome zestiness and pungency here, and the finish is balanced and long. 2020 – 2038
Decanter, January, 2019
General Info
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piedmont |
| Appellation(s) | Treiso, Neive, Neviglie |
| Proprietors | Enrico Dellapiana |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Winemaker | Enrico Dellapiana |
| Annual Production | Between 7,500 to 9,000 9L cases |
