Rizzi: vini italiani, vigneti e storia della cantina

Storia

19th century

The Dellapiano family estate was established in the 19th century.

1898

Professor Domizio Cavazza, director of the winemaking school in Alba, singled out the Rizzi cru as one of the best sites for making Barbaresco while drawing up his map. He was the first to bring the high quality of these wines to wider attention.

1973–1974

In 1973 Ernesto Dellapiano, who had a successful business in the city, left city life behind and returned to his home region to pursue his passion for wine and vineyards. In 1974 he founded Cantina Rizzi on the family's 19th-century estate. Over the years he worked to improve the quality of the grapes and wines while expanding the estate.

1978

Chardonnay and Pinot Nero were planted on the estate.

2004

Ernesto's children, son Enrico and daughter Jole, began playing an active role in the family business.

19th centuryThe family estate on which Cantina Rizzi later stands was established.

1898Professor Domizio Cavazza singled out the Rizzi cru as one of the best sites for Barbaresco on his map, bringing wider attention to the wines.

1973Ernesto Dellapiano left his city business and returned to his home region.

1974Ernesto Dellapiano founded Cantina Rizzi on the family estate.

1978Chardonnay and Pinot Nero were planted on the estate.

2004Enrico and Jole Dellapiano, Ernesto's children, became active in the family business.

Terroir

The estate is best known for Barbaresco, made from Nebbiolo grown on 15 ha. The Nervo cru lies along the estate's eastern boundary, with marl, sand and limestone soils that give Barbaresco Nervo a refined, layered and elegant taste. The Pajorè cru, considered one of the finest, has marl soils that produce grapes suited to Barbaresco with the potential to age for many years.

Vinificazione

Barbaresco from NebbioloNebbiolo is grown on 15 ha and forms the basis of the estate's Barbaresco wines.

Three farmsVineyards span three separate farms: Rizzi, Boito and Manzola, totalling 35 hectares.

Nervo cru soilsMarl, sand and limestone soils along the eastern boundary give Barbaresco Nervo a refined, layered, elegant taste.

Pajorè cru soilsMarl soils in the Pajorè cru produce grapes with the potential for long ageing.

Nebbiolo is grown on 15 of the estate's 35 hectares of vineyards, dedicated to Barbaresco production. The remaining vineyards are planted with Dolcetto, Barbera, Freisa and Moscato, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, which have been grown on the estate since 1978.

The estate is best known for its Barbaresco wines made from Nebbiolo, sourced across three farms — Rizzi, Boito and Manzola — including the Nervo and Pajorè crus, each contributing distinct soil-driven characteristics to the wines.

Filosofia

Ernesto Dellapiano is described as having followed his passion for wine and vineyards when he left city life in 1973, working over the years to improve the quality of the grapes and wines while expanding the estate.