Barbaresco 'Pajoré' Rizzi 2020

Barbaresco 'Pajore' from the family-run Rizzi winery is a fascinating interpretation of one of the most prized appellations in Piedmont and Italy in general. The Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva 'Pajore' is located on the northern border of the municipality of Treiso and is one of the most vocated crus in the entire Langhe area. Rizzi owns approximately 3 hectares within this MGA, from which he made the first vintage of Barbaresco 'Pajore' in 2004. Today, owner and founder Ernesto Dellapiana are joined by his children Enrico, responsible for the technical-wine aspect, and Jole, involved in the commercial side.

Rizzi Barbaresco 'Pajore' is a pure Nebbiolo from vines planted partly in 1968 and partly in 2008 within the 'Pajore' MGA. Here, the soils turn out to be characterized by the so-called 'Lequio Formation,' an alternation of compact grey marls and layers of sand, while the altitude is between 230 and 300 meters above sea level. The clusters are hand-picked into crates and then transferred to the winery for alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with about 3-4 weeks of contact between the must and skins. After the malolactic fermentation has also completely taken place, the mass is racked first into large Slavonian oak barrels, where it rests for a year, then into concrete tanks for 6-9 months before further ageing in the bottle.

Rizzi's 'Pajore' Barbaresco is deep garnet red in color. Broad, persuasive hints of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, violet, rose, and officinal herbs emerge from the glass, supported by complex perceptions of leather, liquorice, clove and black pepper. Full, structured and balanced the taste, defined by excellent freshness and pleasant tannic texture.