Azienda Agricola Giuseppe Rinaldi

Barolo’s Past, Present, and Future — in the Hands of Marta and Carlotta Rinaldi

Sisters Marta and Carlotta Rinaldi are the sixth generation to carry forward the legacy of Azienda Agricola Giuseppe Rinaldi, one of Barolo’s most iconic traditional estates, founded in 1870 in Piedmont, Italy.

Following the passing of their father, the legendary Giuseppe “Beppe” Rinaldi in 2018, Marta and Carlotta assumed full responsibility for the estate. Known affectionately as “Citrico” for his sharp wit and uncompromising views, Beppe was a staunch defender of traditional Barolo. A trained veterinarian, he took over the family estate in 1992 and became a symbol of resistance to modern winemaking trends, continuing the work of his father Battista and grandfather Giuseppe.

Today, the Rinaldi sisters maintain that deep-rooted philosophy while bringing their own energy and perspective.

• Marta (b. 1985), a trained enologist, joined the estate in 2008 and has led winemaking since 2010.

• Carlotta (b. 1988), an agronomist with international experience in New Zealand, joined in 2012 and now oversees the vineyards. She proudly calls herself a “vineyard geek.”

Their mother, Annalisa, remains involved, and Marta’s young daughter, Luce, marks the beginning of a seventh generation. Together, they are part of a new wave of women shaping the future of Barolo.

The Estate

Spanning 8 hectares—with 6.1 ha owned and 3.8 ha planted to Nebbiolo for Barolo—the vineyards lie in some of Barolo’s most revered crus: Brunate, Le Coste, Cannubi San Lorenzo, Ravera, and a recent addition in Bussia.

Farming is fully organic, though the estate avoids certification. Practices are natural and minimalistic: native yeasts, no filtration, minimal sulfur, and long aging in large Slavonian oak botti. Annual production is around 40,000 bottles, focused on Barolo with smaller quantities of other Piedmontese classics.

The Wines

Rinaldi wines are known for their traditional structure, aromatic purity, and age-worthiness—especially the Barolos, which can evolve gracefully over 10–20+ years. All vinification is carried out using time-honored methods: long maceration in wooden vats, no temperature control, and large oak aging.

Key Cuvées:

• Barolo Brunate
  Nebbiolo from Brunate, blended with up to 15% Le Coste. Intense and powerful, with classic cherry, rose, and tar. Aged 3.5 years in large oak; no sulfur added at bottling.

• Barolo Tre Tine
  A blend from Le Coste, Cannubi San Lorenzo, and Ravera. More elegant, with red fruit, spice, and subtle complexity. Same traditional vinification as Brunate.

• Langhe Nebbiolo
  Bright and cherry-driven, aged in large oak. Accessible in youth, but true to house style.

• Barbera d’Alba
  Juicy and vibrant, with lively acidity. Aged in neutral oak.

• Dolcetto d’Alba
  Plummy, fresh, and pure. Aged in stainless steel or old wood.

• Langhe Freisa
  Spicy and balsamic, with medium structure. Aged in concrete or wood.

• Rosae (Ruchè)
  Floral and festive, with soft tannins and rose petal notes. A rare treat.

Tradition, Evolved

The Rinaldi sisters embody a powerful blend of legacy and renewal. Marta’s technical rigor and bold vision in the cellar, paired with Carlotta’s thoughtful, hands-on care in the vineyard, have created a dynamic partnership. While they remain fiercely loyal to their father’s philosophy of “wine as art,” they are also reshaping the narrative of Barolo—one that increasingly includes strong, capable women at its forefront.

Their story is not just about continuing a tradition—it’s about evolving it, without compromise.