The prototype of an exceptional year for the whole Barolo district is the cru Brunate – Le Coste vintage 2005 by Giuseppe Rinaldi.
I had the opportunity to taste it, much to my delight, during the latest “Barolo Brunello” held at Montalcino.
I almost immediately realized that a single glass of this wine encompasses the science and the essence of this land’s own Nebbiolo.
The Giuseppe Rinaldi estate is, in fact, one of the representatives of classic Barolo, belonging to the traditional school and eschewing more modern techniques.
Giuseppe Rinaldi is one of the key figures of the Barolo movement (a term befitting Barolo’s reputation as an “ever moving wine”). He inherited the role from his father Battista, a stern, strong character who served as mayor of the town of Barolo from 1970 to 1975. Giuseppe himself, also known as Beppe, passed on the torch to his daughters Marta and Carlotta, who are eager to continue their father’s work
Since 1993 the winery has been producing two pairs of different blends out of grapes from the estate’s own historic vineyards: Brunate and Le Coste on one side (today’s featured wine), Cannubi San Lorenzo and Ravera on the other. These two wines are sold only 10 years after the original harvest, effectively making them special reserves. For the aging of wine, only Slavonian oak 30 – 60 hl barrels are employed, as the traditional, time-honored method forbids the use of smaller barrels.
“I like the taste of the grape, not those of the wood, not the vanilla taste”, usually says Beppe.
So what is this Barolo Brunate Le Coste of 2005 like? It’s a wine destined to defy time, sure to delight the senses even after 10 or 20 years. The one I tasted was still relatively young.
It features a red garnet appearance, an intense yet evolved aroma, with small hints of leather, sweet tobacco, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and a slight floreal texture of violet. It is fine and soft to the palate, with silky tannins, very fresh and pleasant. Truly a great Barolo!
Retail price € 140 euro; $ 148 – My rating: 96/100