Diego Rivetti, 'Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba', 2021, Barolo (DOCG)

'One-Liner'
Tiny-production Serralunga Barolo with real pedigree – dark cherry, dried rose and liquorice over finely woven tannins and a deep mineral core.

Tasting Note
Bright garnet in the glass, with an aromatic nose of dark cherry, red plum and dried rose petals joined by liquorice, roasted coffee and subtle woodland notes. The palate has classic Serralunga structure, with firm but finely drawn tannins carrying ripe Nebbiolo fruit and a distinctly stony, iron-like mineral character. There is real depth here, yet the wine remains elegant rather than heavy, with freshness keeping its power beautifully in check. Savoury spice and dried flowers build as it opens in the glass. Long and precise on the finish, with cherry, liquorice and dry, mineral tannins lingering behind.

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Sub-Region: Barolo DOCG
Grape(s): 100% Nebbiolo
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Diego Rivetti is one of the newer names in Barolo, having established his own small project in 2015 before joining forces with childhood friend Elena Strada in Serralunga d’Alba. In 2017 they began restoring historic family vineyard parcels, including a tiny south/south-west-facing plot on the Vignarionda spur that had lain fallow for decades before being replanted. The first Barolo arrived with the 2020 vintage, making this 2021 only the second release. Production remains tiny, with vineyard work carried out largely by hand and a deliberately low-intervention approach in the cellar. For the 2021 the wine was matured in large oak casks, followed by further bottle ageing, allowing Serralunga’s naturally powerful Nebbiolo to retain both its structure and its remarkable perfume.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Tuscan pork ragù with pappardelle
- Vegetarian: Tajarin with wild mushrooms, butter and truffle
- Vegan: Porcini, borlotti bean and rosemary ragù with soft polenta