Rizzi Boito Barbaresco Riserva 2015 750ml

Piedmont enjoyed a brilliant 2015 vintage.

A hard winter saw both snow and rain, which served to rehydrate the water table in the soils. However, the cold was not to last with spring settling in and allowing for both a successful budbreak and flowering. Both May and June saw some rainfall, but temperatures quickly ramped up during July and August, with July becoming one of the hottest to ever be recorded. The occasional rain in August served as a welcome break from the heat, preventing drought from becoming an issue. Despite seeing some rain, the October harvest was very healthy.

Although the hot summer had raised concerns that the grapes might suffer from a lack of acidity, these fears were mostly unfounded and the vintage, although small, was spectacular. Both Dolcetto and Barbera performed brilliantly as did Piedmont stalwart Nebbiolo. Both Barolos and Barbarescos tended to have a refined structure with a fresh fruit character giving the impression of a restrained power.

Overall, a great vintage although perhaps a little more time is needed to know just how great these wines are. Although some wines are likely to be drinking well now, most Barolo and some Barbaresco will benefit from further aging.