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Rivassi

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Rivassi is a Barolo MGA in the Barolo commune, situated in the lower fourth sector near the Novello border. The vineyard grows Nebbiolo on Sant'Agata fossil marl, the calcareous soil type characteristic of this part of the Langhe. Giuseppe Rinaldi is among the notable producers associated with this site.

Key Facts
  • MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) within the Barolo DOCG
  • Located in the Barolo commune, lower portion of the fourth sector
  • Borders Terlo and Ravera MGAs, extending toward Novello
  • Soil type: Sant'Agata fossil marl (calcareous marl)
  • Exclusive grape variety: Nebbiolo
  • Notable producer: Giuseppe Rinaldi
  • Climate: continental temperate, typical of the Langhe

📍Location and Neighbors

Rivassi sits in the lower part of the fourth sector of the Barolo commune, extending toward the neighboring appellation of Novello. It lies alongside two other recognized MGAs, Terlo and Ravera, placing it in a transitional part of the Barolo territory where the commune boundaries draw close to Novello. This lower-slope positioning within the fourth sector gives Rivassi a distinct geographic identity within the broader Barolo landscape.

🪨Soils and Viticulture

The soils at Rivassi are composed of Sant'Agata fossil marl, a calcareous marl formation that appears widely across the Barolo DOCG. This soil type is known for contributing structure and aromatic complexity to Nebbiolo, the only grape permitted for Barolo production. The continental temperate climate of the Langhe, with warm summers and cold winters, shapes the slow, complete ripening that Nebbiolo requires to produce wines of age-worthy character.

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Flavor Profile

Nebbiolo from calcareous marl soils in Barolo typically delivers firm tannins, high acidity, and aromas of dried rose, tar, and red cherry, with earthy, mineral undertones that develop toward leather and tobacco with age.

Food Pairings
Braised beef or osso buco with gremolataTajarin pasta with white truffle or meat raguAged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno cheeseRoast lamb with herbsWild mushroom risotto
Wines to Try
  • Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo$80-150
    Giuseppe Rinaldi is the notable producer linked to Rivassi, known for traditional Barolo of depth and longevity.Find →
How to Say It
Rivassiree-VAS-see
MGAem-jee-AH
Nebbioloneb-ee-OH-loh
📝Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Rivassi is an MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) in the Barolo commune, not Novello, though it extends toward the Novello border
  • Soil type is Sant'Agata fossil marl, a calcareous formation common in Barolo
  • Adjacent MGAs include Terlo and Ravera
  • Giuseppe Rinaldi is the key producer to associate with this site
  • Only Nebbiolo is grown here, used exclusively for Barolo DOCG production