Serafino Rivella is a tiny estate that until recently was only known to a small group of insiders. That changes with the 2013 vintage.

The heart and soul of the estate is the Montestefano Cru, which is one of Barbaresco's best. The vineyard is directly outside of the family's house. In any given vintage, they produce 750 cases of Montestefano along with a tiny amount of Dolcetto.

Montestefano is famous above all else for how it marries elegance, detail and intensity. It's a wine that soars with tightly coiled finesse.

Serafino Rivella really nails these qualities of the Cru. In 2013, their Montestefano is supremely elegant, with riveting detail. When all is said and done, the 2013 will likely go down as the most compelling example of their Montestefano to date.

This shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The 2013 vintage in Piedmont is all about finesse and clarity. It's exactly the sort of vintage where Montestefano and Serafino Rivella's style really come into their own.

Teobaldo and Maria Rivella follow ultra-traditional methods. The family's vineyard was planted in 1963 by Teobaldo's father, and the first vintage at the estate was 1967. Antonio Galloni says, "Tasting Teobaldo and Maria Rivella's wines is like stepping back into Piedmont's past." They are savory and understated wines with a whispering complexity.

The 2013 is the epitome of honesty and refinement. It possesses a radiant clarity, delivering spice, floral notes, herbs and hints of game. For all of its old-fashioned honesty, it comes off as silky and sophisticated.

For fans of traditional Piedmont wines, this is a don't-miss. We should warn you, though, quantities are very limited. Please give us your ideal order and we'll try our best.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits