We like wines that tell a story,
that tell you from where they come, their experiences, where they have been and, just as importantly, where they are going.
Each wine imported by Indigenous Selections has its own unique story that unfolds as it is poured into a glass.
Founded in 2006 by winemaker Giorgio Rivetti, Indigenous Selections represents a collection of hand-selected wineries crafting the finest and most authentic representations of what Italy has to offer. Having a winemaker at the company helm allows us to truly understand, and therefore be able to narrate, the stories of each of the products we represent.
Our portfolio includes wines from Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, Campania, Sicily and Friuli and is completed by a selection of Indigenous label wines, each of which has been hand-selected by Giorgio Rivetti to offer an interesting and authentic Italian wine experience.
Giorgio Rivetti is a man who wears many hats: internationally renowned winemaker, vigneron, businessman, importer, restauranteur… However, above all, Giorgio defines himself as a farmer first. His connection to the land, the soil, the terroir, extends back to his childhood, having grown up in a family of vine growers and winemakers in Piedmont. Early on, Giorgio realized that his passion was wine, completing his studies at the Scuola Enologica di Alba, one of Italy’s oldest wine institutes. After apprenticeships in Burgundy and Bordeaux, he returned to Piedmont to make wine alongside his father Giuseppe “Pin” and his mother Lidia. Giorgio’s first wine as the family winemaker was the Moscato d’Asti, the wine that would provide the momentum for what was to become La Spinetta.
The approach that continues to set Giorgio and his wines apart today is the secret imparted to him by his parents many years ago: quality begins in the vineyard. Gorgio quickly learned that by respecting the vineyard and its unique terroir (and by dramatically reducing yields), the result was always top quality fruit, essential to all great wines.
Giorgio’s first red wine was the Barbera d’Asti Ca’ di Pian in 1982. The success of the Moscato d’Asti and Barbera d’Asti wines catapulted the family winery, with Giorgio at the helm, allowing them to acquire top vineyard sites throughout Piedmont. In 1995, the Rivetti family’s great dream was realized with the purchase of the Gallina vineyard, one of the most prestigious Barbaresco vineyards situated in the family’s town of origin, Neive. By 2000, the La Spinetta line-up included 15 (mostly single-vineyard) wines, including Barbera, Barolo and Barbaresco, some of Italy’s most exciting and revered wines.
In 2001, Giorgio’s dynamic nature (always up for a challenge!) led him to Tuscany with the purchase of the first Cru vineyard of 100% old vine Sangiovese, launching Giorgio and La Spinetta beyond Piedmont. The success of the first vintage, and Giorgio’s excitement about old-vine Sangiovese and autochthonous Tuscan grape varieties, led to the purchase of additional vineyards and the construction of La Spinetta’s third winery, Casanova della Spinetta. Casanova is also home to La Spinetta’s gourmet olive oil.
In 2011, the opportunity to purchase the historic sparkling wine cellar Contratto, in Canelli (Piedmont), presented itself. Always having been enthusiasts of Champagne, Giorgio and the Rivetti family embarked on the adventure of producing sparkling wines, with the objective of reviving this jewel of a winery to its former glory while also propelling it into the future. In 2014 additional land was purchased near the town of Bossolasco, a concrete investment in Giorgio’s belief in the great potential of Alta Langa (High Langa). On this land, Giorgio has planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards, which combined with existing estate vineyards, allow Contratto to produce Metodo Classico sparkling wines from exclusively estate-grown fruit, epitomizing the philosophy of quality that guides every aspect of each wine produced by Giorgio Rivetti.
In 2006 Giorgio launched Indigenous Selections, an import company in the U.S. Operating as his own importer allows Giorgio to more efficiently import and distribute La Spinetta and Contratto wines while also giving him the opportunity to help producer friends, many small, reach the U.S. market.
Giorgio’s most recent project has brought him back to Piedmont, in the hillsides surrounding the small city of Tortona. Here, the first vineyard of Timorasso was purchased, the first vintage (2019) released in 2020. This local variety nearly faced abandonment, but with the investment of several committed winemakers, this “Barolo Bianco” is once again showing its incredible potential. Often compared to Nebbiolo because of its great structure, personality and character (and also as a result of its fussiness), Timorasso as a grape and a wine is undoubtedly unique.
Giorgio has accompanied his family winery in the pursuit of excellence, while remaining dedicated to quality that can only begin in the vineyard. With this respect for the land at the forefront, from the 2021 vintage all La Spinetta and Contratto wines are certified Organic, confirmation of a continuous endeavor for excellence and sustainability in all aspects of the vineyards and winery. Giorgio’s passion, determination and intuition has created a name that is synonymous with indisputable quality, always with the vineyard at the heart.
Over the last 25 years, David has traveled much of the world studying and collaborating with iconic winemakers and Master Sommeliers. Today, as the Director of Sales and Education for Indigenous Selections, David’s focus and passion is Italy.
Indigenous Selections is a family of exceptional Italian producers who are, first and foremost, great farmers. Each producer firmly believes that great wines are grown, not made. Everything we do at Indigenous Selections comes from a winemaker’s perspective, as we are a unique import company
that is owned and managed by an Italian winemaker. Our producers are also all a driving force for the evolution and elevation of their regions.
I have a real passion for wine and I hate bios. But there is a constant need to prove your worth in the modern wine world. So with that in mind…
For over 25 years,
o I’ve traveled the world’s wine regions and dug in their dirt.
o I’ve worked harvests.
o I’ve interned at wineries and cellars.
o I’ve collaborated with winemakers on the final blends for vintages.
o I’ve developed concepts for vineyards that lead to the creation of new prestige wines. Some of
these collaborations have resulted in long term production partnerships.
o I’ve designed labels.
o I’ve curated prestigious distribution portfolios.
o I’ve been invited to the James Beard house as a Sommelier.
o I’ve been blessed to work with oh so many talented chefs on so many memorable dinners.
o I’ve studied and collaborated with Masters.
o I’ve forgotten too much to remember.
o And now I work with an amazing iconic Italian winemaker and oeno-entrepreneur whose talent
and vision are the things of legend.
Why…because wine is spiritual love of art, philosophy, history, geography, science, debate, and divine storytelling. These are things I must express to others.
Elizabeth Kane Tate has spent her entire working career in the wine and beverage arena. She began her career in New York City working for the Italian Trade Commission’s Wine Center. She then worked for Lavazza Coffee’s North American subsidiary building Lavazza’s distribution and brand name throughout the continent. Following Lavazza, Elizabeth joined the Veuve Clicquot team. She worked as one of two Senior Brand Managers with a specific focus on their Italian portfolio. After her time at Clicquot, Elizabeth relocated to Boston and worked in Brand Management at MS Walker, a New England wine wholesaler. In 2007, Elizabeth created EKT Communications. Her firm caters to brand building for wine and spirits companies.
Born in Italy, my passion for fine wines has been an integral part of my life journey. Originating from a family deeply rooted in distribution, I began my professional career working for the family business, fostering a love for the world of fine wines.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity to explore and learn more about the world, I made the decision to relocate to the United States. I hold a degree in Culinary Arts, specializing in management, and have earned a prestigious certificate from the Associazione Italiana Sommeliers (AIS).
Over the course of the last 23 years, my professional journey has been marked by a series of enriching experiences, from collaborating with renowned restaurant leaders to working alongside distributors and importing organizations. These diverse experiences have equipped me with invaluable insights into the wine business, and I continue to thrive on the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Beyond the realm of work, I find joy in various pursuits. Whether it’s listening to music, experimenting with culinary creations, or hosting gatherings, I derive inspiration from the simple pleasures of life. An interesting facet of my personal life involves cultivating grapes in my backyard, an endeavor undertaken with a relaxed demeanor and a well-worn t-shirt.
Throughout this journey, I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of those who believed in me. Both of my parents, Tony Ciccarelli (RIP), and Lisa Mize have played significant roles, directly and indirectly, in shaping the person I am today. Their encouragement and belief have been my guiding lights, contributing to the success and fulfillment I find in my professional and personal pursuits.
Additionally, meeting a visionary of the caliber of Giorgio Rivetti has reignited in me an immense excitement for the wine business that I haven’t felt in years. His insights and passion have been a source of inspiration, propelling me to new heights in my career and infusing a renewed vigor into my love for the artistry of fine wines. As I continue this journey, I carry with me the collective wisdom and support of these remarkable individuals, driving me toward greater achievements and a continued passion for the world of fine wine.
I’m Alice Dal Moro, a passionate wine sales professional who proudly hails from the charming town of Asolo, nestled north of Venice, Italy. With a heart deeply rooted in the traditions and warmth of Italian culture, my 7-years journey in the dynamic world of wine has been a fusion of heritage and professional growth. Over the last few years, I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself in the diverse landscape of Southern California, representing esteemed entities such as Empson USA (as their Southern California Manager), Wine Warehouse (as their Italian Wine Specialist for SD, OC, and the Desert), Domaine and Estates (a division of Southern Glazers, covering SD), and currently Indigenous Selections.
What fuels my professional journey is not just a love for wine but, more importantly, a genuine love for people.
I have an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management, an Associate Degree in Spanish, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. This academic journey has been instrumental in shaping my approach to sales, blending the nuances of hospitality, linguistic finesse, and business acumen into a unique skill set. Plus, I have worked for 15 years in the Hospitality Industry.
