Rivella Serafino Barbaresco Montestefano 2017

Winery Background and History:

Rivella Serafino is a tiny family estate in Barbaresco, Piemonte, founded by Serafino Rivella in 1963. His Montestefano vineyard, next to the family home, produces just around 750 cases of Barbaresco Montestefano annually. The estate is organic, traditional, and meticulously cared for like a personal garden.

Producer and Wine Maker:

Teobaldo Rivella and his wife Maria handle everything themselves, from vineyard work to winemaking. Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented traditionally with submerged-cap maceration in open-top vats. Aging is in large neutral casks (botti) for about 34 months, followed by six months in bottle before release.

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

Fruit comes exclusively from the Montestefano cru in Barbaresco, planted in 1963 on calcareous marl soils. Southeastern exposure, warm days, cooling mistral winds, and moderate rainfall result in ripe Nebbiolo with freshness and balanced acidity.

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes undergo traditional fermentation with submerged cap maceration. The wine then ages 34 months in large neutral botti and six months in bottle. No fining or filtration ensures purity and texture.

Tasting Notes:

Deep ruby color with garnet rim. Aromas of sweet tobacco, cedar, spice, black licorice, crushed herbs, and violets. Palate is structured yet elegant with ripe dark cherry and plum, silky tannins, and a long mineral-tinged finish.

Food & Wine Pairing:

Pairs exquisitely with lamb, veal osso buco, mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, rich pasta, and aged cheeses. Its elegance, acidity, and tannic structure work beautifully with savory, umami-heavy cuisine.

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve at 16 °C in large Burgundy or Bordeaux glasses. Decant for 1 hour to allow aromatics and flavors to open fully.

Storage and Aging Potential:

Cellar at 12–14 °C with moderate humidity. Plenty of life remains through 2040. Over time it will reveal tertiary notes of leather, forest floor, spice, and dried fruit while retaining structure.

Grape Varietals & % used:

Nebbiolo 100%

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

14 %

Scores:

Vinous (94 points)