In the Lirano hill, a ridge between Sinio and Serralunga d´Alba, Enrico Rivetta has created what he calls a "agricultural living organism".
He has been working on that organism for 19 years. The cantina is
Demeter certified, the only cantina in Langhe (although Enrico thought that another cantina was on its way).
There are hens, there are donkeys, there is a big, big compost, and much, much more.
But the wines then? They are very, very good. Pure, energetic, lively and very Enrico.
NV Kaskal
This zero dosage bubbly offers up a deep, elegant nose with notes of yellow apples, wet cement and a white balsamico note. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and balanced with a very good acidity, notes of yellow pears and chrushed rocks. Very gulpable.
91p (tasted 2026/09)
2024 Barbera d´Alba Zio Nando
A dark, broad nose with notes of raspberries, asphalt and hazelnuts. A fine warmth.
The taste is juicy and warm with notes of raspberries, licorice and warm gravel. A good acidity.
87p (tasted 2026/09)
2023 Langhe Nebbiolo
A somewhat restrained nose with notes of autumn leaves, dry figs, violets and dark flowers.
The taste is upfront and clean with fine cherry fruit, silky tannins and a long, warm finish.
90p (tasted 2026/09)
2023 Nebbiolo d´Alba Vigna Lirano
A whole another expression of Nebbiolo. This has spent 7 months in amphoras (see pic below). The nose is rich and intense with notes of cooked cherries, sweet/sour licorice, root vegetables and hints of wet dog fur. Different but lovely.
The taste is rich and just brilliant with fresh, lively tannins, gorgeous cherry fruit and a long, long, distinct finish. A class act.
94p (tasted 2026/09)
2022 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d´Alba
A fine perfumed nose with notes of tobacco, mineral, black cherries and moist earth. Very, very good.
The taste is stony and elegant with notes of hard cherry candy, chrushed rocks and tobacco. 6+ years.
91p (tasted 2026/09)
2020 Barolo Briccolina
A deep, lightly meaty nose with notes of ripe cherries, bonfire smoke, dog fur and fresh flowers. Lovely.
The taste is tight and focused with a kind of rugged elegance alongside a balsamic note, black fruit and a long, layered finish. 8+ years.
94p (tasted 2026/09)
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| My favourite occupation :-) |
2019 Barolo BriccolinaThe 19 Briccolina offers up another dimension, darker with notes of dark bread, sweet minerals, black flowers. Very, very fine.
The taste is rich and concentrated with a stern backbone, brilliant fruit and a minute long finish. Almost chewable tannins. 10+ years.
95p (tasted 2026/09)
2016 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d´Alba
From a double magnum that had been opened for a week. That´s obviously the way to do it, for this is a beauty. The nose soars from the glass with notes of iron, dried cherries, worn leather and warm tiles. Lovely.
The taste is still young and forward with notes of dried cherries, forest floor, paint and cold coffee. The tannins still makes a real presence. Very fine.
93p (tasted 2026/09)
2019 Barolo Riserva Leon
A high, intense nose with notes of Maraschino cherries, hints of charcoal, leather, roses and sun warm rocks. So handsome and refined.
The taste is rich and concentrated with notes of tar & roses, sweet minerals, fine tobacco and rosehips. The finish goes on for over a minute. 10+ years.
96p (tasted 2026/09)
1964 Barolo
Enrico was ever so kind to fetch this gem that had been opened for two days (I recently opened a 1970 Barolo (note is coming) that was on its best behaviour after three days).
The nose is very deep, round and generous with notes of dried red fruit, Christmas spices, pipe tobacco and a hint of menthol. Very fine.
The taste is velvety and dry with beautiful mature, dried fruit, a long perky finish and even some hints of tannins in the finish. Another fine bottle from The Greatest Vintage Ever - thanks Enrico!
93p (tasted 2026/09)
2023 Langhe Nascetta Vigna Lirano
To finish things of, this Nascetta displays a young, spicy nose with notes of candied lemons, grass and chrushed rocks.
The taste is fresh and elegant with lots of lemons, lime and grassy elements. A fine lively acidity.
88p (tasted 2026/09)
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