Alessandro Rivetto Barolo

Alessandro Rivetto Barolo is a 100% Nebbiolo wine from Piedmont, Italy, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast for the 2016 Serralunga d'Alba bottling, this expression reflects a producer widely regarded among Barolo's rising stars, distinguished by its use of second-passage oak barrels to preserve fruit purity over heavy wood influence.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy  |  100% Nebbiolo  |  Producer: Azienda Agricola Alessandro Rivetto

Production & Heritage

Alessandro Rivetto operates his family estate in the Barolo zone of Piedmont, combining traditional winemaking with sustainable viticulture practices. After stalk removal, the Nebbiolo undergoes a two-day cold maceration followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with total maceration lasting approximately 20 days. The wine then ages for a minimum of 38 months in wood, including 18 months in secondo passaggio barrels — casks that have already been used once — a deliberate choice to soften oak's imprint and let the grape's natural aromatics lead. This approach sets Rivetto apart from producers who rely on new French oak, resulting in a Barolo that reads as classically structured yet approachable.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright red fruit and rosy florals — think wild berry and rose petal — before layering in star anise, eucalyptus, and a subtle earthiness. With air, hints of lavender, cake spice, and a classic Nebbiolo whiff of asphalt emerge.

Taste: The palate enters with sour cherry and crushed raspberry, building through a concentrated mid-palate of cinnamon, white pepper, and a thread of licorice. Despite its youthful structure, the wine shows impressive tension and an almost accessible generosity that rewards patience without demanding it.

Finish: The finish is medium to long, carried by refined, dusty tannins and bright acidity that leave a chalky, mineral impression. Lingering notes of Morello cherry and a faint herbal quality persist well after each sip.

How to Drink Rivetto Barolo

This Barolo is best served at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass with at least 30 minutes of decanting — an hour or more for younger vintages. Neat is the primary serve, allowing the wine's layered aromatics and tannic architecture to develop fully across the glass. A Barolo Negroni (substituting the wine for vermouth in a stirred, lower-ABV variation) highlights its bitter cherry and herbal notes. A classic Nebbiolo Sangria built with seasonal stone fruits and a cinnamon stick plays to the wine's spice character. For a sophisticated aperitif twist, a chilled Barolo Spritz with tonic water and an orange peel works surprisingly well, though purists may prefer to save this bottle for the table.

Best For

• Gifting an Italian wine enthusiast exploring Barolo's newer generation of producers
• Pairing with a slow-cooked Sunday ragu or braised meat dinner
• Building a Piedmont-focused cellar with wines that reward medium-term aging
• Hosting a comparative tasting of Barolo alongside Barbaresco or Langhe Nebbiolo

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rivetto Barolo taste like? It leads with sour cherry, crushed raspberry, and star anise, supported by refined tannins and a chalky mineral finish. Floral and spice notes — rose petal, cinnamon, white pepper — add complexity throughout.

How does Rivetto Barolo compare to Diego Conterno Barolo? Both producers are considered rising stars in the Barolo zone and work with Nebbiolo in a style that balances tradition and accessibility. Rivetto's deliberate use of second-passage oak tends to produce a slightly more fruit-forward, less overtly woody expression compared to some peers.

Is Rivetto Barolo good for sipping neat? Yes — its refined tannic structure and layered aromatics make it an excellent neat wine, especially with 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to open the bouquet fully.

Where is Rivetto Barolo made? It is produced by Azienda Agricola Alessandro Rivetto in the Barolo appellation within Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The estate falls within the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, one of Barolo's most prized sub-zones.

What foods pair well with Rivetto Barolo? Braised short ribs or osso buco complement the wine's tannic grip and cherry depth. Tajarin pasta with a butter and truffle sauce echoes its earthy undertones. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano mirrors the chalky mineral finish. Wild mushroom risotto works with the herbal and spice notes. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage pairs well with the lingering licorice and berry character.

What sizes does Rivetto Barolo come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Rivetto Barolo worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Barolo from a respected small producer, offering 38 months of wood aging and critical scores in the 90–91 point range — strong value relative to more established, higher-priced Barolo estates.

Why Rivetto Barolo?

What earns this wine its place is the deliberate restraint in its oak program: by aging exclusively in second-passage barrels, Alessandro Rivetto lets Nebbiolo's signature aromatics — tar, roses, red fruit, anise — speak without a varnish of vanilla or toast. Critics have taken notice, with Wine Enthusiast awarding 91 points to the 2016 Serralunga d'Alba bottling, and Decanter consistently grouping Rivetto among Barolo's most promising names alongside Sobrero and Serradenari. The 38-month minimum aging in wood delivers a wine with genuine Barolo structure — dusty tannins, bright acidity, mineral tension — while remaining approachable in relative youth. For anyone seeking an authentic, well-made Barolo from a producer focused on fruit purity and sustainable farming rather than flash, this is a serious bottle.