Exclusive: 2013 Giuseppe Rinaldi, Dolcetto D'Alba

October 11, 2023

This wine defies all logic, a variety like Dolcetto simply shouldn't have the capacity to age gracefully for a decade. Most are bright, fruity wines meant be drunk upon release, many bottles of which usually adorn leisurely Piemontese Sunday lunches. But this is no ordinary Dolcetto.

The key to unlocking this enigmatic wine lies in its maker, Giuseppe Rinaldi. There aren't many producers left in the old guard of Barolo. There are some who straddle the line between historic and modern, and those that have made the jump fully into current fashion. Giuseppe Rinaldi is different. The winery remains as committed as ever to über-traditional Piedmont wines that demand to be aged. Crafting powerful, structured and entrancingly perfumed wines that are very slow to mature.

This love for tradition is best exemplified by today's wine. Dolcetto is often known as the wine to drink while Barolo ages, yet we've managed to get ahold of something truly special here: a Dolcetto crafted by a true master, that has been given the chance to age gracefully for a decade.

Today, I'm proud to offer the only bottles of 2013 Giuseppe Rinaldi, Dolcetto d'Alba in South Carolina! As well as a small selection of Barbera and Nebbiolo!

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Dolcetto from vineyards withhin the commune of Barolo. As with the Barolo, the emphasis is not on any single vineyard, but a blend of all each site. Spontaneous fermentation occurs in massive, old wooden vats followed by aging in similarly sized barrels that have been used for generations.

An elegant and kaleidoscopic array of blackberry, clove, licorice, leather and cigar box on the ever evolving and unfurling nose. The palate is equally complex and layered, with a deep array of plum, violets, speck, black pepper, forest floor and truffle. The tannins have almost melted away with age, but there is a classic sternness that shows this wine still has plenty of life. Patience rewarded in spades.

The Rinaldi family has been making wine for at least five generations. What started with Giovanni Rinaldi in 1870 was split amongst various family members with his passing in 1918. Giuseppe 'Beppe' Rinaldi's father took the prized holdings in Brunate, Le Coste, Cannubi San Lorenzo, and Ravera.

Beppe's passing at the early age of 69 in 2018 was a massive loss but his family is as focused as ever on keeping his legend alive. Continuing with the family's large, old, oak Tini and Boti, extended macerations, long fermentations, and aging before bottling. The cantina is a living museum of the heritage of Barolo.