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.

 

Where to Find Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo

**Updated Information as of July 14, 2025:** Giuseppe Rinaldi wines are among the most allocated and difficult to acquire in the world. Production is very limited, and demand far outstrips supply. Expect to find them at highly specialized fine wine merchants, often on strict allocation, or on the secondary market at premium prices. Persistence and relationships with retailers are key.

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your essential tool for global availability.** Search for "Giuseppe Rinaldi" to find merchants worldwide listing their wines and compare prices. Given the extreme rarity, stock is consistently scarce.
Callmewine (Online, Italy & EU) A major Italian online wine retailer. They frequently list various Giuseppe Rinaldi wines (e.g., Barolo Brunate-Le Coste, Tre Tine, Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbera), though often showing as "Sold Out" or with extremely limited quantities. Keep checking their site regularly.
Best of Wines (Online, Ships EU) A European fine wine merchant that often has highly sought-after wines. They list various Rinaldi Barolos and other wines; check for current stock.
XtraWine (Online, Italy & EU) Another significant Italian online retailer. They list Giuseppe Rinaldi wines, but expect very limited or "Sold Out" status most of the time.
Bottle of Italy (Online, Italy & Ships EU) Offers a range of Italian wines, including Giuseppe Rinaldi, but availability is highly constrained. They list Barolo Tre Tine and Brunate.
Peneder Weinhandel (Online, Austria & EU) An Austrian wine merchant specializing in high-quality wines. They list various Rinaldi Barolo vintages, which might be in stock.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples & General Tips)

  • **United States (Key Importers/Retailers):**
    • **Rosenthal Wine Merchant:** A leading importer for Giuseppe Rinaldi in the US. Their website (rosenthalwinemerchant.com) provides producer details and lists distributors by state, who then sell to local retailers and restaurants.
    • **JJ Buckley Fine Wines (Online, US):** A prominent fine wine retailer that often has an allocation of Rinaldi Barolos (e.g., Brunate, Tre Tine). Check their site for current listings, which often include pre-arrival options.
    • **Flatiron Wines & Spirits (NYC & SF):** Renowned fine wine retailers with excellent Italian sections. They are a strong point of contact for Rinaldi wines.
    • **Mr. D Wine Merchant (Miami, US):** Lists Giuseppe Rinaldi wines.
    • *Your best approach in the US is to contact top-tier independent fine wine shops specializing in traditional Barolo, as they are most likely to receive allocations from the importers.*
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Justerini & Brooks (UK):** A historic London-based wine merchant that specializes in fine and rare wines. They are a key source for Giuseppe Rinaldi.
    • **Berry Bros. & Rudd (UK):** Another prestigious UK wine merchant. They frequently list Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolos, often "In Bond" or pre-arrival.
    • **Brunswick Fine Wines & Spirits (UK):** Features various Rinaldi Barolos and Barbera, often "In Bond."
    • **The Good Wine Shop (UK):** Has listed Giuseppe Rinaldi wines, including Barbera d'Alba.
    • *Contact leading independent fine wine merchants in London who focus on collectible Italian wines.*
  • **Italy (Direct & Retailers):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales (Extremely Rare):** The Rinaldi winery itself (Via Monforte, 3 - 12060 Barolo CN) does not typically have an open tasting room or direct-to-consumer sales for international visitors. Wines are primarily sold via long-standing allocations. Inquiries are generally not entertained due to demand.
    • **Local Enotecas (Piedmont):** Some highly specialized, long-standing enotecas in Piedmont (e.g., in Alba, Barolo, La Morra) might receive extremely limited allocations or have older vintages in their cellars. Building relationships with these shops over time might be the only way to purchase directly in Italy.
    • **Signorvino (Italy):** A chain of wine shops/restaurants in Italy. They list Rinaldi wines, though often as "Sold Out."
    • **Enoteca Collovà (Italy):** An Italian online and physical store that lists Giuseppe Rinaldi wines.
  • **Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore):**
    • Giuseppe Rinaldi wines have a strong following in fine wine markets in Asia. Major fine wine importers and auction houses are key sources.
    • **Christie's / Sotheby's (Wine Auctions):** Due to their rarity and collector status, Rinaldi Barolos frequently appear at major wine auctions.