Rizzi
Barbaresco Rizzi – 2017
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 Rizzi | Nebbiolo | Planted 1967-2004 | white marl clayey- calcareous, alternated by sand |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
This Barbaresco wine is produced from Nebbiolo grapes harvest in the Crü Rizzi, and is the way through which the estate’s style is manifested. Constantly looking for elegance and purity. The Rizzi Cru is extensive, with variations of altitude, exposure and soils. It’s for this that our Barbaresco is so particular, and the Rizzi hill is incontestably one of the most famous in the Langhe area.
- Location: Treiso
- Crü: Rizzi
- Altitude: 220-310 meters
- Exposure: South, South-West
- Soil: White marl clayey-calcareous, alternated by sand
- Year of planting: 1967-2004
- Vine Training System: Guyot
- Planting Density: 3800-4400 vine/Ha
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested into small crates in 1st ten days of October
- Fermented in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature not exceeding 30 º C for 3-4 weeks
- Wine racked, then undergoes malolactic fermentation for a month
- Aged 12 months in large oak barrels, then
- Aged 6-9 months in concrete vats
- Aged in bottle until wine reaches 3 years after harvesting.
Winemaker's Notes
This is a classical Barbaresco; notes of fresh fruit and underbrush coexist, giving it imminence and longevity. The elegance and purity of the hillside Rizzi crü shines through, with notes of fresh fruits and underbrush. This wine displays the highest expression of our “house” style from this most prized estate vineyard.
Wine Summary
100% Nebbiolo; alcohol: 14.5%; vines planted 1967-2004; soils: clay-calcareous alternated by sand; fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature; malolactic fermentation and aging in 50Hl oak barrels for 12 months, then aged in concrete tanks average 8 months, bottle aged until 3 years after the harvest.
Technical Information
- 100% Nebbiolo grapes
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Total Acidity: 6.07 g/l
- pH: 3.35
- Residual Sugar: 0.72 g/l
- Extract: 26.9 g/l
Reviews
94 Points
A firm, linear wine, showing very fine tannins and focused ripe fruit with walnut and hazelnut undertones. Some dried-mushroom character, too. Medium-bodied, bright and long. Needs two or three years. Better after 2022.
jamessuckling.com, July, 2020
95 Points
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Mouthwatering aromas of ripe berry, baking spice and crushed aromatic herb mingle with new leather and camphor on this inviting red. The delicious, elegantly structured palate doles out juicy red cherry, crushed strawberry and licorice set against polished, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2021–2029.
Wine Enthusiast, October, 2020
92 Points
The Rizzi 2017 Barbaresco Rizzi is a wine of pretty harmony and balance. The aromas open slowly and delicately with red fruit and wild rose. You get a brief glimpse onto the warmth and sunshine of the vintage (this was a hot year), although that heat is well managed and contained. It comes forward with a little more darkness and concentration. This vintage is well suited for near and medium-term drinking alongside braised lamb and roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic. I enjoyed that little hint of chalk or crushed mineral on the close. An ample 16,000 bottles were made. 2022 – 2033
© Wine Advocate, July, 2020
17 Points
Alba. Tasted blind. Just mid ruby. Deep, ripe nose of cherry and cherry liqueur. Voluptuous, full cherry fruit palate with a good dose of lively acidity and a layer of grainy tannins. A very attractive wine and ready now. 2020 – 2028
JancisRobinson.com, August, 2020
94 Points
A firm, linear wine, showing very fine tannins and focused ripe fruit with walnut and hazelnut undertones. Some dried-mushroom character, too. Medium-bodied, bright and long. Needs two or three years. Better after 2022.
jamessuckling.com, August, 2020
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 |
