Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barolo Cannubi 2021

Winemaking

Francesco Rinaldi & Figli is a historic Barolo producer with deep roots in the Langhe region, known for a classical approach to Nebbiolo that emphasizes the wine's structural elegance and aging potential. The house balances respect for tradition with precise vineyard management, allowing the site's character to shine through without excessive extraction or new oak.

Tasting Notes

This Cannubi cru opens with refined aromas of red cherry and rose petals, followed by intriguing notes of tar and subtle oak influence. On the palate, the wine reveals impressive structure—bright acidity and finely-woven tannins frame flavors of sour cherry, licorice, and mineral minerality that unfold gracefully across the mid-palate. The finish is long and persistent, with a graceful tannin grip and earthy undertones that linger beautifully.

Producer

Francesco Rinaldi & Figli operates as a small, family-run estate in Barolo, committed to traditional winemaking practices that respect the Nebbiolo varietal's inherent complexity. The vineyard holdings include parcels in some of Barolo's finest crus, and the winery's long history in the region informs a measured, terroir-focused philosophy.

Terroir

Cannubi, one of Barolo DOCG's most prestigious crus, sits on the hills south of the town of Barolo itself, where calcareous marl and clay soils create ideal conditions for Nebbiolo's slow ripening. The site benefits from excellent southeast-facing exposure and the continental climate of Piedmont's Langhe region, which delivers ripe fruit while maintaining the acidity and structure that define great Barolo.

Food Pairings

The wine's refined structure and earthy minerality pair beautifully with pan-seared duck breast dressed with a cherry gastrique and bitter greens. For a more casual pairing, try it alongside a beef and mushroom ragù over wide noodles, where the licorice and mineral notes echo the dish's umami depth. A hard, aged cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano or a well-aged cheddar would also show the wine's elegant side.