France · Rhône Valley

Domaine Saint Prefert

Francesco Rinaldi is one of Barolo's most traditional estates, tracing its history to 1870 and located in the village of Barolo itself. The domaine farms approximately 8 hectares, with its most celebrated parcel the Cannubi cru — Barolo's most historically recognized vineyard, occupying a central hillside position in the commune of Barolo on calcareous Tortonian soils that produce wines of exceptional finesse, aromatics, and longevity. The estate is run by Paola and Piera Rinaldi, who maintain the traditional approach established by their predecessors: long maceration on the skins (30+ days), large Slavonian oak botti aging for 4–6 years, no new French oak, and minimal technological intervention throughout the production process. At auction, 112 lots average $160 per bottle, anchored by the Cannubi and the house's regular Barolo from Verduno and Barolo commune parcels. Cannubi, as Barolo's most historically famous cru, commands a consistent premium: the Rinaldi version trades at $150–$250 for top vintages including 1989, 1996, 2010, and 2016. The estate remains below the public profile of the reform-era 'Barolo Boys' producers, attracting a specialized audience of traditionalist Nebbiolo collectors who prize the uncompromising old-school approach as the purest expression of the terroir's natural character. The estate's blanc offers serious aging potential — the Auguste Favier should be cellared minimum 8–10 years — and provides one of the most interesting value alternatives to classic white Burgundy for collectors exploring beyond France's traditional white wine hierarchy.