Rizzi
Barbaresco Pajorè – 2022
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 about 3 years after harvest
Winemaker's Notes
Harmony and strength characterize this wine. Clove, wild strawberries and herb aromas lead to a balsamic and spicy palate. Freshness and mineral notes on the persistent 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 about 3 years after harvest.
Technical Information
- 100% Nebbiolo
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Total Acidity: 5.39 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 0.47 g/l
Reviews
95 Points
Midweight and buoyant, it is replete with succulent raspberry and dusty wild currants. Well extracted chalky tannins have an al dente bite giving textural complexity. Evocative nuances of forest floor have a haunting presence throughout. At the edge of Treiso, the Pajorè MGA borders the township of Barbaresco. One of my favourite wines of the vintage, Rizzi’s 2022 bottling achieves satisfying depth of flavour and proper supporting structure with the elegant signature of the denomination. Bravo! 2026 0 237
Decanter, November, 2024
94 Points
Pale red. Complex but not especially intense aromas of sour red cherry, cranberry nectar, raspberry, cocoa, and violet. Then dense and with great freshness, with flavours that echo the aromas. Finishes with firm tannic spine and superb grip. This very young wine will develop slowly and enjoy a long life. Maybe not the most concentrated Pajorè bottling ever but very suave and well-balanced. I liked it. 2028 – 2038
Ian D'Agata Wine Review, April, 2025
93 Points
A vibrant and delicate wine with a nose of blood oranges, strawberries and touches of pepper and licorice. Light- to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and tight, dusty yet sweet tannins. Try from 2026.
jamessuckling.com, January, 2025
17 Points
Treiso. Pale ruby. Lifted and complex red-fruit nose with a cool edge and a savoury, minerally undertow. Fragrant, elegant and amazingly light of touch with gravelly tannins and fresh raspberry. You could drink this now but it will hold. Sleek. 2025 – 2035
JancisRobinson.com, August, 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 |