Rosanna Sandri Rizzi, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy 2021

Barbaresco Rizzi 2021 is a very small-production, terroir-driven Barbaresco from Treiso, made by Rosanna Sandri’s family estate. The Sandris farm just 4 hectares, following sustainable, low-intervention practices, and the Rizzi fruit comes from an east-southeast-facing site at about 450 meters on white marl, clay, and some sand.

The 2021 is 100% Nebbiolo, fermented in large oak and given an unusually long 40–45 day post-fermentation maceration, followed by 18–24 months in large oak barrels. Only about 1,000 bottles were produced, making it a particularly compelling bottle for Burgundy and Piedmont collectors looking for something outside the usual names.

In the glass, expect red currant, cherry, rose petal, orange peel, licorice, tobacco, dried herbs and subtle spice, with bright acidity and fine, persistent tannins. It has the classic Nebbiolo combination of perfume and structure, but the Rizzi site gives it a particularly refined, lifted and mineral character.