Rizzi
Barbaresco Pajorè – 2021
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
Wild strawberry, clove, herb and raspberry aromas. Spicy notes complement the ripe red fruit flavors with a touch of minerality. Fine tannins and a youthful freshness characterize the long, complex finish.
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
93 Points
This wine comes from a historic cru measuring three hectares. The Rizzi 2021 Barbaresco Pajorè is quite streamlined and fine, maybe too much so, depending on how you call it. It shows mild aromas of blue flower, cassis and crushed stone. 2025 – 2038
© Wine Advocate, January, 2025
18 Points
Treiso. Just mid ruby. Slumbering, mineral-driven nose with touches of spice. Gorgeous, elegant palate weight. Elegant, cool raspberry fruit and super-fine tannins in equal measure. 2024 – 2036
JancisRobinson.com, August, 2024
95 Points
Bright deep red. Perfumed aromas of sour red cherries, raspberries, ink, graphite and milk chocolate. A spicy, nicely concentrated midweight that boasts good density and impressive youthful energy to its ripe, rich red fruit, mineral and lemony flavours. This very fine wine finishes with dusty youthful tannins, excellent length and noteworthy versatility. 2027 – 2038
Ian D'Agata Wine Review, October, 2024
92 Points
A perfumed nose of dried rose hips, tea leaf, grapefruit peel and red cherries on offer. Firm and structured with lightly chewy tannins, yet it has juicy and lively fruit character on the medium-bodied palate, ending with a mineral, lightly chalky finish. Try after 2027
jamessuckling.com, October, 2024
94 Points
CELLAR SELECTION
Aromas of dried tea leaves mingling with the delicate scent of roses, alongside the tangy sour red fruits lift from the glass of this elegant wine. Standing tall with a solid and well-structured presence on the palate, the wine shines with waves of cherry, raspberry and sour plum as fresh herbs and mixed spices team together to heighten the energy of the wine. It’s a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and undeniable character. Drink from 2026
Wine Enthusiast, September, 2024
94 Points
The Barbaresco “Pajorè” cru from Cantine Rizzi is made almost entirely from old vines, with the lion’s share of their parcel in this excellent vineyard having been planted in 1960 and 1965. There is a small parcel that they had to replant in 2008. The wine has turned out beautifully in 2021, offering up superb depth and soil signature on both the nose and palate. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a complex blend of red and black cherries, a touch of plum, gamebird, a complex base of soil, red curry, roses, lovely spice tones and a topnote of woodsmoke. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and shows off outstanding depth at the core, with fine soil undertow and grip, ripe, buried tannins, impeccable balance and a long, complex and very promising finish. All this outstanding young Barbaresco needs is sufficient time in the cellar to soften up its undercarriage of tannin. This is consistently one of my favorite bottlings in all of Barbaresco! 2043 – 2100
View From The Cellar, September, 2025
96 Points
Good deep red. Deeper-pitched aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, herb, and smoke have an earthy nuance. Intensely flavored but youthfully tight and chewy, with soil-accented flavours similar to the aromas. Finishes long with outstanding sweetness of fruit and acid/fruit/tannin balance. 2027 – 2038
Ian D'Agata Wine Review, December, 2025
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 |