Pelissero Langhe DOC Riesling Rigadin

Pelissero is a family-run estate rooted in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, specifically within the Treiso district of the Barbaresco production zone. Now in its third generation, the winery was originally established by Luigi Pelissero, who transitioned the family business from selling grapes to independent winemaking in 1960. Today, the estate is managed by oenologist Giorgio Pelissero, who oversees 42 hectares of estate-owned vineyards. The "Rigadin" Riesling represents a bold departure from the region's traditional focus on red varieties like Nebbiolo. Sourced from the Rigadin vineyard in the Ferrere zone of Treiso, the vines are planted at an altitude of 400 meters on a north-facing slope. This specific exposure, combined with high winds and sandy-silty soils with a deep calcareous substrate, allows the late-ripening Riesling to maintain its signature aromatic complexity and vibrant acidity.

The winemaking philosophy at Pelissero balances respect for tradition with innovative research, emphasizing the natural characteristics of the fruit. For the Rigadin Riesling, Giorgio employs a meticulous approach that includes keeping a luxuriant leaf canopy to protect the grapes from the sun and warm valley winds. In the cellar, the must undergoes a light maceration at low temperatures to enhance character and complexity, followed by fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The wine rests on its fermentation yeasts through the winter with repeated pumping over before being bottled. This process results in a structured, savory white wine that harmonizes the atypical mineral notes of Piedmont’s marine-origin soils with classic Riesling aromas of honey, flint, and orchard fruits.