# Barbaresco Nervo Rizzi (2020)

- **Producer:** Rizzi
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €65
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, rose, liquorice, violet, mint, plum, raspberry, new leather, cinnamon, baking spice, tar, blood orange, campfire ash, cola

## About this wine

The Barbaresco Nervo Rizzi 2020 is a 100% Nebbiolo from the Barbaresco DOCG appellation in Piedmont, Italy, produced by Cantina Rizzi. It originates from the Nervo cru in the Treiso municipality, an area characterized by white marl, clayey-calcareous soils with sandy veins, and well-draining steep slopes. The vines in this cru range in age from 1967 to 2004. Cantina Rizzi, founded by Ernesto Dellapiana, focuses on expressing the unique character of the territory and season. The 2020 vintage is described as accessible, offering complexity and intensity inherent to Nebbiolo. The winery is also involved in environmentally sustainable production through 'The Green Experience' project.

## Interesting facts

- Nervo cru vines were planted between 1967 and 2004.
- Vineyard slopes are steep, aiding drainage and sun exposure.
- A portion of aging occurs in concrete vats.
- Approximately 5,000 bottles are produced annually.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and notable tannins are well-suited to rich protein dishes, where they can cut through fat and complement the meat's texture. The wine's inherent complexity and subtle herbal notes can echo or contrast with savory ingredients in the food, creating a harmonious dining experience.

## Wine making process

The Barbaresco Nervo Rizzi 2020 is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Following hand-harvesting in early October, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 3-4 weeks at controlled temperatures. Malolactic fermentation also occurs in stainless steel over approximately one month. The wine is then aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, followed by 9 months in concrete vats. Prior to release, it benefits from extended bottle aging for up to three years. The Rizzi estate emphasizes environmentally sustainable production practices.