Barolo (1990)

About this wine

This 1990 Barolo from Giuseppe Rinaldi is pure Nebbiolo from the Brunate selection, fermented in open wooden vats and aged in large old Slavonian casks. The nose opens with concentrated dark cherry and dried red fruit, layered with rose petal, forest floor, and hints of truffle and cured tobacco. On the palate the wine is dense and concentrated, with candied black cherry and leather flavors framed by lively acidity and gripping, persistent tannins. The texture is chewy yet precise, and the finish shows salty mineral notes and a touch of cedar from extended time in large casks. This wine is a classic example of Rinaldi’s traditional approach, notable for its long maceration, restrained use of new oak, and exceptional aging potential.

About the grape

Nebbiolo is an ancient Piedmont grape that likely developed in the Langhe and is prized for fine tannins and pronounced acidity, making it the sole permitted variety in Barolo. In Giuseppe Rinaldi bottlings like the 1990 Barolo the grape is drawn from several historic crus such as Brunate, Cannubi and Ravera and blended to balance the vintage rather than bottled from a single site. Rinaldi worked with old vine Nebbiolo, slow natural fermentations on the skins using indigenous yeasts and prolonged macerations in wooden vats to extract tannin and structure. The wines were then aged in large Slavonian oak casks rather than new small barrels, a traditional choice that preserves the grape's varietal clarity and long term aging potential.

Quick facts

• 🏺 The 1990 bottle was made before Giuseppe took over in 1992, so it reflects the old family style passed down from his father Battista.
• 🗺️ In 1990 it would have been labeled as Barolo Brunate Le Coste, a blend that used to be about 60 percent Brunate and 40 percent Le Coste.
• 🍇 Rinaldi wines from that era were fermented with whole clusters and only native yeasts, giving the 1990 a rustic, wild character few commercial Barolos share.
• 🪵 Giuseppe aged his Barolos in large Slavonian oak casks, so the 1990 kept a firmer texture and allowed the Nebbiolo perfume to evolve slowly over decades.
• 🔍 Bottles from 1990 are now collectible, because Rinaldi made very small quantities then, which makes finding a mature 1990 Barolo a rare tasting moment.

Palate profile

Producer

Azienda Agricola Giuseppe Rinaldi is a multi‑generation Barolo estate dating back to the late 19th century, when the Rinaldi family began working vineyards in the hills around Barolo. The modern company was established by Giuseppe’s forebears and consolidated through the 20th century by Battista Rinaldi, who professionalized production and served as mayor of Barolo; his son Giuseppe “Beppe” Rinaldi became the emblematic traditionalist who ran the estate from 1992 until his death in 2018. Beppe insisted on long macerations, spontaneous fermentations and aging in large Slavonian casks, producing highly ageworthy Barolos from historic crus such as Brunate, Le Coste, Cannubi San Lorenzo and Ravera. Today the estate is led by his daughters Marta and Carlotta, who maintain the traditional winemaking philosophy while managing organic and low‑intervention viticulture across the family’s vineyards.