Rizzi
Barbaresco Pajorè – 2020
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.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
The estate’s vineyard Pajorè, one of the historical and renowned Cru of the Langhe hills, not far from the Barbaresco town hall.
- Altitude: 750-985 feet/230–300 meters
- Exposure: South
- Soil: White marl, clayey-calcareous
- Vines Planted: 1965 – 2008
- Vine Training System: Guyot
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested into small crates the first 10 days of October
- Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks below 86ºF/30º C for 3-4 weeks
- Wine racked before malolactic fermentation for about a month
- Aged 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels
- Aged 6 – 9 months in concrete vats
- Bottled and released 3 years after harvest
Winemaker's Notes
The geomorpholigical landforms and southern exposure create amazing wines, and allow for a combination of both harmony and strength, releasing nuances of wild strawberry, officinal herbs and clove. Pajorè’s great personality finishes with balsamic and spicy notes.
Wine Summary
100% Nebbiolo; alcohol: 14.5%; historic Pajorè cru at 750–985 feet near Barbaresco town hall; grown in white marl, clay-calcareous soils; hand harvested 1st 10 days of October; fermented 3–4 weeks under 86ºF and 1 month malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months, then concrete vats for 9 months; aged in bottle to 3 years after harvest.
Technical Information
- 100% Nebbiolo
- Alcohol: 14.5%
Reviews
94 Points
The Rizzi 2020 Barbaresco Pajorè shows lots of varietal character within the context of a vintage that was definitely on the warm and sunny side of the weather spectrum. The fruit is a little plumper and softer as a result, yet you still get that thin and elegant framing that is typical of Nebbiolo. The wine’s flavor profile offers redcurrant, violet and licorice root. Pajorè in Treiso also has a pronounced mineral element. Winemaking is the same across most of these wines, with fermentation in stainless steel and 12 months of aging in Slavonian oak casks, followed by eight months in cement and another 10 months in bottle. 2024 -2038
© Wine Advocate, August, 2023
17++ Points
Treiso. Concentrated mid ruby. Brooding and still closed on the nose, hinting at balsamic cherry fruit. A core of cherry coulis wrapped up in solid but ripe tannins. This truly has lots of everything. Long and perfumed and juicy and with surprising lightness of touch. 2023 – 2036
JancisRobinson.com, July, 2023
95 Points
The nose is sleek with sweet violet, cinnamon, redcurrant and balsam. The attack is firm, extracted and with a full-on mid-palate, then a savoury finish which is elegant and displays refreshing acidity, and a restrained, chocolate aftertaste. A graceful yet powerful Barbaresco for the long haul but also to drink now. Classic handling in the winery, with fermentation at a maximum of 30°C and ageing in big Slavonian oak vessels for 12 months. 2023 – 2040
Decanter, January, 2023
91 Points
Red berry, bark, toasted bread and sweet spice aromas on the nose. Succulent and fresh with a medium body and bright acidity. Transparent with redcurrant character and lots of sour cherries towards the delicious finish. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, July, 2023
94 Points
As I mentioned last year, the oldest vines in the Dellapianas’ parcel in the Cru of Pajoré were planted in 1965. The vineyard is the most northerly in Treiso in the direction of the township of Barbaresco, sitting just south of the border on a hillside that also includes the Crus of Marcarini and Casot which are featured in the portfolio of Enrico Nada. The 2020 Pajoré is also an outstanding young Barbaresco, showing a bit more black fruity shadings than Enrico’s Nervo bottling this year, with the nose wafting from the glass in a complex blend of red and black cherries, spit-roasted gamebird, a fine base of soil, red curry, a touch of oregano, bonfire, a nice touch of brown spices and a topnote of roses. On the palate the wine is pure, full bodied, focused and rock solid at the core, with lovely soil signature and grip, ripe, buried tannins, excellent balance and a very long, refined and complex finish. This too is outstanding Barbaresco in the making! 2035 – 2085
View From The Cellar, November, 2023
95 Points
CELLAR SELECTION
The wines of Rizzi are crafted with elegance and finesse; this wine’s aromas capture that intent with black cherry, star anise, fresh bay leaf and sandalwood. Mixed berries both dried and preserved wrap around savory spices, black tea and an earthiness that plays in the background giving a darker finish. Fine tannins provide enough grip to hold the wine back enough so it does not get ahead of itself before it is ready. Drink 2026–2040
Wine Enthusiast, April, 2024
General Info
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piedmont |
| Appellation(s) | Treiso, Neive, Neviglie |
| Proprietors | Enrico & Jole Dellapiana (brother and sister) |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Winemaker | Enrico Dellapiana |
| Annual Production | Between 7,500 to 9,000 9L cases |