Guido Rivella
After many decades serving as the right-hand man to one of the most renowned figures in fine wine globally, Guido Rivella’s own estate has stepped into the limelight. It has become a Piemonte producer that deserves attention from wine enthusiasts.
Guido Rivella spent over forty years as Angelo Gaja’s winemaker, making him exceptionally qualified to produce world-class Nebbiolo. His expertise spans both the prestigious Barbaresco DOCG and the more modest Langhe Nebbiolo categories, which his former employer often alternated between. In 2010, Rivella established his own Azienda, and following his retirement from Gaja in 2014, he devoted himself fully to this new project alongside his children, Enrico and Silvia. The depth of his experience quickly became evident, particularly in the excellence of his single cru wines.
The Rivella family’s approach to winemaking centres on keeping the vines healthy and highlighting the unique qualities of their vineyards’ terroir. Their philosophy emphasises minimal intervention in the winery. As Enrico, Guido’s son, succinctly remarks, “ninety-nine percent of the work is done in the vineyards. Our job in the cellar is not to f*%k it up.” This method results in stylish, forward-thinking wines that are enjoyable even when young.