"This mixed case offers an engaging introduction to the wines of Piedmont, bringing together two distinctive expressions from the family-owned Pietro Rinaldi estate. Based in the Madonna di Como district in the hills around Alba, the winery has deep family roots stretching back to 1920, when Pietro Rinaldi and his grandfather Costanzo worked the vineyards and produced wines from Nebbiolo, Barbera and Moscato. Today, the estate combines this long-standing connection to the Langhe with a commitment to expressing the character of its vineyards and the traditional varieties of the region.
The Pietro Rinaldi Langhe Rosso 1946 Armitagi 2021 provides an approachable introduction to the estate's interpretation of the Langhe. A blend of grapes sourced from Barbaresco and the wider Langhe, it brings together the freshness and perfume associated with Piedmontese reds with an inviting, silky texture. The wine shows vibrant red-fruit character alongside floral and earthy nuances, making it a versatile partner for Italian cuisine. Its balance and relatively accessible structure make it an ideal wine to enjoy earlier in the meal, perhaps alongside antipasti, pasta, roasted mushrooms or lighter meat dishes.
The more serious Pietro Rinaldi Barbaresco DOCG San Cristoforo 2021 demonstrates the depth and longevity that can be achieved with Nebbiolo in the Langhe. The San Cristoforo vineyards lie in Neive, within a recognised sub-zone of the commune, with south-easterly exposure. Made entirely from Nebbiolo, the wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel before spending 16–18 months ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels. The result is an elegant Barbaresco combining floral aromas of rose and violet with balsamic and mineral notes, fresh acidity and velvety tannins.
Together, these wines provide a fascinating contrast: the Langhe Rosso offers immediacy and versatility, while the San Cristoforo delivers the structure, complexity and ageing potential that make Nebbiolo and Barbaresco among Italy's most compelling wines."