About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the Rivella family’s 2.5 ha Montestefano vineyard in Piedmont, beside Teobaldo Rivella’s home. Its slopes are extremely steep, and its soils are white limestone. The 60-year-old vines grow to 2 m, with roots reaching 6 m into the soil, and give a limited crop. The vineyard is farmed organically; copper and sulphur are used only when necessary.
Vinification
The wine is made in the traditional Barbaresco style. Maceration on the skins lasts 15–25 days. Fermentation uses natural yeasts and takes place in stainless-steel tanks and, in part, wooden barrels. The cellar is in the basement of Teobaldo Rivella’s home. Teobaldo works alone in the vineyard, while his wife Maria assists with winemaking.
Ageing
Ageing lasts 24–36 months in old 20 hl Slavonian oak botti, twice the period required by law.
Tasting profile
Elegant and delicate, with a complex aroma and flavour. With maturity, it develops the Barolo-like complexity associated with wines from Montestefano.
Label / history
Serafino Rivella established the estate, planting young vines in 1960 and releasing his first wine in 1967. His son Teobaldo joined him in 1974 and later inherited the family business. The estate makes only this wine from the vineyard, with annual production of approximately 11,000 bottles.
