Giuseppe Rinaldi, Barolo

In the heart of Barolo, the Rinaldi family's winemaking legacy has spanned generations, weaving together a tapestry of history, art, and a deep commitment to the land. The story of this coveted estate is one of perseverance, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Rinaldi family's roots can be traced back to Diano d'Alba and viticulture started when Giovanni Battista Rinaldi and his wife Ludovica Barale first established the Barale & Rinaldi estate at the caretaker of Marchesa’s farm house atop Cannubi MGA. In 1919, the vineyard holdings were divided among the four male heirs, with the two remaining branches being those of Giuseppe Rinaldi and Francesco Rinaldi (currently operated in the original Barale & Rinaldi estate).

The modern-day history of the Giuseppe Rinaldi winery began in 1921, when the first vintage was produced. Two distinct Baroli were crafted: a Barolo Brunate-Le Coste and a Barolo Cannubi (San Lorenzo)-Ravera. In 1945, Giuseppe's son, Battista, opted for a blended approach, combining all the vineyards into a single Barolo. However, Beppe, the son of Battista, later returned to his grandfather's style, reviving the separate Brunate-Le Coste and Barolo Cannubi (San Lorenzo)-Ravera labels.

Beppe Rinaldi, affectionately known as "Citrico" (the acidic or tart one), played a pivotal role in shaping the winery's direction until his passing in 2018. Today, his two daughters, Marta and Carlotta, are carrying the torch, making significant strides in the winery's continued evolution.

The regulatory shifts in 2009 brought about changes to the estate's iconic wines. The Brunate-Le Coste label was transformed into a Brunate wine, with up to 15% of Le Coste allowed by the new regulations. The Cannubi-Ravera blend was also reworked, now blended with the remaining Le Coste labeled as "Tre Tine," a nod to the three vats used in the assemblage process.

In 2019, the Rinaldi family introduced a new addition to their portfolio: Bussia, a wine crafted from a parcel shared by a like-minded farmer, further expanding the estate's repertoire.

Alongside the renowned Langhe Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Freisa, the Rinaldis have also preserved a parcel of Ruchè, producing a wine called Rosea. Additionally, they have created a house blend, Namaste, which showcases a harmonious interplay of the region's native grape varieties. Each bottle of Namaste sold donates 10 euros to support local underprivileged communities, exemplifying the family's commitment to social responsibility.