First, I was not aware of any Rinaldi-hype. So, I was totally unbiased when our host opened this bottle after a looong night of german sparkling wines. But I have to say this Dolcetto got immediately my attention. I never had before such a good Dolcetto in my glass. I was surprised about the seriousness, depth and complexity, as Dolcetto was always a kind of easy-drinking-wine to me. Sorry, no more details, as it was around midnight when I took the first sip. Anyway, the best Dolcetto ever.
Finally, based on this bottle only (!), it looks like 2021 is indeed a very very promising vintage in Piedmont.
It’s not for nothing that Dolcetto was the more revered than Nebbiolo in history.
While I haven’t tried the Rinaldi Dolcetto, I can assure you that competition for the top spot is fierce.
Not too long ago I had Elio Sandri’s 2016 (also included that among my WOTY nominations), sensational bottle with complexity in the Barolo direction, yet its own. Drank well earlier in its life but the depth and complex didn’t show before.
Roagna makes a contender (only had one recent vintage) but there are more that are on a high level and at very least comes close to same level.
As for 2021 I would stay cautions about any vintage conclusions, didn’t try anything myself yet but from the vintage reports/indications it doesn’t seem like a top year. On the other hand you got your hand on one of the better producers
FWIW you often can’t make conclusions about the Barolo/Barbaresco in a vintage based on Dolcetto/Barbera because the picking dates are so different. If the last month or two of weather in a season is great, it’s very possible a vintage could be rough for dolcetto/barbera but great for nebbiolo (I think 2014 is an example here, where it was rough for the other grapes but if you didn’t get hit by hail there was the potential to make top Nebbiolo). It could also go the other way around.
I’ve always been interesting in trying to find a Dolcetto that I like. I love the region and have visited twice, and I like all the other types of wines from there. And, on paper, my palate would seem pretty aligned with how people describe the wines. But I’ve never liked any Dolcetto I’ve tried much at all.
I started a thread about it, ended up finding one that the group felt I should try, then I ordered some bottles. And later got a notice from the store that they didn’t actually have those in stock, and I lost the thread again.
I just looked, and this wine is $50 in the US and I’d have to have it shipped, so I’m not sure I’m tempted given my history with it.
It’ll probably happen someday for me. Or maybe not.
San Fereolo is worth trying too (and available in SoCal). They treat it as a serious wine, not a quick moneymaker and are pretty successful in my experience.
Check out Nicoletta Bocca on the I’ll Drink to That podcast.
I think this is a very good wine, but it is not a typical Dolcetto. While Dolcetto is usually made in a very fresh, fruit-forward style, this wine is made in the tradition of the grandfather with extended skin contact, four months if I remember correctly. As I recall the story, the grapes used to be picked, dumped in a vat, and left there while they dealt with the other grapes. They only bottled it when they had time. My point is only that it is not a good comparison to most Dolcetto. I think this shows as more rustic and reductive. The San Fereolo which Joe mentioned is more in this same style.
I was not aware of the vinification details, but 100% agree that the Rinaldi docletto typically comes across as rustic, in an appealing way, but I dont think the flavor profile is in-line with what’s typical of the grape. Unless it’s changed. Last I had was 2015 and 2016 because it’s no longer worth the price IMO.
I think B. Mascarello is the best producer to seek out if you want to try a classic dolcetto. It’s also likely a bit cheaper and easier to find than the Rinaldi. With both barbera and dolcetto, the Mascarello version is a very high quality but traditional version of those wines. There are more “serious” versions, especially of barbera d’alba (Vajra’s superiore comes to mind, Conterno) but the Mascarello comes across as a more classic, early drinking wine (not that it can’t be aged).
Chris, we apparently followed the same path, had the same price reaction to the Rinaldi, and ended up the same place with the same alternative to try, the Roagna. I’m a sucker for trying wines based on enthusiastic WB posts about wines that I am not familiar but are in my usual price range ballpark. Thanks Martin and Mikael!
Interesting. But since I don’t like most Dolcetto, maybe the different style will appeal to me more?
The CT notes for the last few vintages (there aren’t any for 2021 yet) are quite positive, including notes from reputable tasters like @Jeremy_Holmes and Tim Heaton.
