The 2011 Barbaresco Rio Sordo shows more heft and power compared to the Barbaresco Tre Stelle with bright fruit nuances and a special emphasis on cherry and dried raspberry. This is a round and generous interpretation with good endurance and round tannins. Drink: 2015-2022.
Giovanna Rizzolio and her lovely family (including husband Italo and sons Riccardo and Davide) are rising stars in the Tre Stelle area of Barbaresco. They own 1.5 hectares in the 15-hectare Tre Stelle cru. Although her family made wine as far back as 1948 (she has a few dusty bottles left in her photogenic cellars), her winemaking efforts start with the 1999 vintage. Her total holdings include 3.6 hectares of vines and production has reached 20,000 bottles.
Various American Importers, including: Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; La Famiglia Corona, Baton Rouge, LA; tel. (225) 650-9030; Cream Wine Company, Chicago, IL; tel. (321) 421-1900