Francesco Rinaldi: A traditional family estate in the heart of Barolo

The Francesco Rinaldi e Figli estate is a historic and traditional winery located in the town of Barolo itself, with a long and illustrious history dating back to its founding in 1870. Francesco Rinaldi established the winery after inheriting a vineyard and house in Barolo, leaving behind his work on the large Mirafiore estate. His family also had ties to the Barale-Rinaldi estate, and Francesco was a cousin of Giuseppe Rinaldi, another well-known traditional Barolo producer. Together, these two family wineries have maintained the unique, traditional style of Barolo, along with other great names such as Bartolo Mascarello and Bruno Giacosa.

For over 130 years, Francesco Rinaldi e Figli has been deeply rooted in the traditions of Barolo and the Langhe, with many of the same techniques still used in their cellars today. The estate is now managed by Paola Rinaldi, Luciano Rinaldi's niece, with the assistance of her sister Piera Rinaldi. They continue to produce beautiful wines in the great traditions of Barolo, avoiding new oak, preferring long macerations and aging their wines in large Slavic oak barrels before bottling.

Francesco Rinaldi e Figli’s most prized bottlings are their single-cru Barolos from the Brunate (2 hectares) and Cannubi (2.4 hectares) vineyards. The Cannubi vineyard is particularly significant, considered the largest single vineyard in the village of Barolo and one of the most famous and historic in all of Italy. Wines from Cannubi are celebrated for their elegance, perfume and complex aromatics. The Brunate vineyard, which straddles the borders of Barolo and La Morra, produces wines known for their depth, fragrance and balance.
In addition to their Cannubi and Brunate estates, Francesco Rinaldi e Figli also own Nebbiolo vineyards in Sarmassa and Vignane (in Barolo), Rocche dell'Annunziata (in La Morra) and Codana (in Castiglione Falletto), totaling around 3 hectares. These vineyards contribute to their Barolo production and showcase the diversity of the Barolo terroir. They also produce Dolcetto d'Alba from the Roussot vineyard near Cannubi, as well as Barbera d'Alba.

The winemaking at Francesco Rinaldi e Figli emphasizes traditional methods. For their Barolo Cannubi, the wine is typically aged for three years in Slavic oak barrels and then bottled.58 This extended aging allows the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and finesse.

Francesco Rinaldi e Figli's Barolos, especially their Cannubi bottling, consistently receive high marks from wine critics. Their Barolo Cannubi has garnered ratings in the low to mid-90s from publications such as the Wine Advocate and James Suckling, praised for its elegance, aromatic complexity, and aging potential. While specific results for their Barbaresco are less available, the estate's commitment to quality and traditional methods suggests a high standard across their portfolio.

A defining characteristic of Francesco Rinaldi e Figli is their unwavering commitment to the traditional Barolo style, passed down through generations. Their prized achievements in the Cannubi vineyard, combined with their adherence to long macerations and aging in large Slavic oak barrels, result in wines that beautifully express the unique terroir of this legendary cru. The Rinaldi sisters, Paola and Piera, continue to honor their family’s legacy and ensure that Francesco Rinaldi e Figli remains a respected name in the world of classic Barolo.