Fermentation and long refinement in oak barriques of 50% of the must yields a Chardonnay that is particularly elegant and complex, with a notable balance between freshness and sapidity. Delicate perfumes of vanilla scents fade into more exotic aromas of pineapple, banana and citrus, finishing with hazelnuts and melted butter. This is a Chardonnay of great character that expresses the particular terroir of the Illasi Valley, especially adapted to white grape varieties.
A particularly versatile white wine, this Sauvignon is the result of the particular characteristics of its terroir of origin, the Friuli hills adjacent to the Plessiva Natural Park. Straw yellow in color, intense fruit and floral aromas of grapefruit, elderberry flowers and freshly cut grass lead the way. A full-bodied mouth with a brisk acidity supports notes of citrus (tangerine, grapefruit) and an appealing minerality.
Along with the autochthonous Friulian varietals, Sauvignon Blanc has become one of the most prevalent, and appreciated, white grapes in the region, included in the Collio Bianco blends or vinified “in purezza” (in purity), as in the case of the Vigna del Lauro Sauvignon. Upon tasting, notes of white pepper and green paprika are integrated into a fruity display of crabapples and pears. A refreshingly light to medium body and finely tuned acidity conclude in a satisfying and attractive finish.
Alongside the local Friulian grape varieties, Sauvignon Blanc is considered among the most prestigious white wines of the region. This interpretation of the international grape showcases intense aromas and flavors reminiscent of the famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Pronounced expression of grapefruit skin, juice and seeds interwoven with sweet jalapeno skin and citrus laden herbs. Perfect for an aperitif or as an accompaniment to fish dishes.
The traditional Prosecco grape, Glera, is combined with Pinot Noir, resulting in a bright and lustrous powder pink Prosecco Rosé. On the nose, delicate notes of roses and small red fruits open to tropical aromas of litchi and papaya. In the mouth, the wine is harmonious and fresh, enhanced by a subtle, persistent perlage. This easy-drinking wine is delicate and elegant, yet crisp and fresh, with an enveloping and fruity, long-lasting finish. Ideal as an aperitif, but also a perfect accompaniment to a meal.
This red blend is an ideal daily wine, a full-bodied Sangiovese softened by the addition of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Fruity and lightly herbal with perfumes of flowers leather and a dusty hint of earth and spice. This a wine ready to drink now, and also happens to be a great value.
The Millesimato has the bright intensity and definition of the highest caliber sparkling wine. A Pinot Noir (~80%) and Chardonnay (~20%) blend, this wine is hand-riddled in the cellar where it ages nearly 5 years before release. In the mouth, it is creamy and rich with fine, soft beading. Abundant honey, apricot and sweet almond meld with notes of lemon mousse and honeydew, resulting in an undeniably delicious and appealing wine.
The modest tannins and elegant structure typical of this grape variety make Dolcetto d’Alba an ideal “everyday wine,” enjoyable without being overwhelming. Ruby red in color with bright violet reflections, this wine is bursting with fresh fruit like Marasca cherries, wild strawberries and small red fruit on the nose. It’s particularly enjoyable slightly chilled on a warm summer day.
Vineyards for the Fiano are planted on opposite north/south sides of the Arianello hillside, indisputably one of the best locations for Fiano. One side is rich in complex volcanic soils and the other in clay and calcareous soils, resulting in a lively wine with white peach, lemon, lime and crushed stone on the nose, enhanced by elegant notes of flowers and aromatic herbs. In the mouth, it is pure, fresh and juicy, finishing with outstanding length and great acidity. The Fiano di Avellino is a true expression of territory.
This pale orange-pink Tuscan Rosé is a blend of Sangiovese and Prugnolo Gentile (a Sangiovese clone). Tart and juicy, with citrusy grapefruit and tangerine dominating the nose and mouth, the wine’s aromatic profile is enriched by white peach and strawberry and floral and mineral notes. The Rosé shows great clarity, with a suave, penetrating finish that lingers with a floral tenacity. A great summer wine and an excellent accompaniment to fish and poultry.
The Barbazzale Bianco is composed of predominantly Catarratto, the most typical, and widely planted, white grape variety in Sicily. As is characteristic of Catarratto wines, Barbazzale Bianco exhibits a pleasant freshness with delicate floral perfumes of wisteria and Scotch broom on a saline backdrop. Barbazzale is the name of the “contrada,” or wine district, in which the grapes are planted in the volcanic soil of Mt. Etna, lending a remarkable minerality to the wine.
100% Estate grown and vintage! 100% Glera from 17 year old vines grown in high hillside vineyards between Conegliano and Farra di Soligo, on the border of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G. appellation. A Prosecco with noticeably more depth of flavor than your average one, thanks to its high quality vineyard sites giving extra complexity. Classically floral in aroma with a creamy richness to support the palate fruit, albeit with lightness of touch.
Produced from the typical white Veronese Garganega grape and cultivated with low yields, this Soave presents a complex bouquet of exotic fruits, pears, peaches, herbs and almonds with a generous minerality and hints of toasted vanilla. A pleasant surprise to the palate, rich and compact in the mouth while sustained by fresh acidity and persistency. The variety’s distinct flavor intensifies the softness of the wine.
Only the best fruit is used for this single-variety bottling. This is an excellent, fruit-driven expression of Pinot Grigio. Fresh pear and ripe apple on the nose give way to rich flavors of kumquat, quince and fresh herbs in the mouth are supported by a nice acidity, making this an excellent wine to pair with a variety of foods.
This is a substantial, medium-bodied Pinot Grigio that entices with freshness and an underlying minerality. Creamy and fruity at the same time with delicious cooked apples and pears intermingled with hints of crushed stones and lemon rind. A lovely finish.
Delicious and refreshing with invigorating aromas and flavors of fresh yellow and green apples, white peach and quince. Hints of white flowers and almond finish in an incredibly crisp and pleasantly balanced wine to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
This Barbaresco Riserva is crafted from Nebbiolo grapes planted in the calcareous clay/sandy soil of the miniscule Bric Micca Cru, the highest point (1,200-1,300 feet above sea level) of the Baluchin vineyard in Neive. Baluchin means “star” in the Piedmontese dialect, and refers to the vineyard’s ideal position for star gazing on clear night. This is an extremely precise and focused expression of Nebbiolo, with razor sharp, elegant aromas of blue violets, flint and ash. The high altitude, and thus cooler temperatures, of the vineyard result in a particularly pretty and graceful wine that opens quite beautifully at even a young age. A close friend of Giorgio Rivetti, vitner Ezio Cocito vinifies his Baluchin at La Spinetta’s cellar in Castagnole Lanze.
Grapes for the magnum Riserva come exclusively from the highest part of the Campè vineyard, the best location for these sustainably-farmed vines, tended without the use of pesticides or herbicides (or even tractors or heavy machinery that might compress the earth). The result is a harvest of the purest, most exceptional grapes, which are then transformed into an intense vibrant red wine, with subtle and complex aromas of strawberries, red roses, citrus and fresh hazelnuts. This is full- bodied, yet reserved and beautiful Barolo with an incredible backbone of firm, composed tannins. The silky texture and extraordinary depth of fruit mesmerize up to the very end of the Campè Riserva’s long, long finish. Released 10 years after harvest.
This Barolo comes from 50+ year-old vines on the four-hectare (10 acres) Campè vineyard surrounding the winery in Grinzane Cavour. The Campè is powerful and imposing in the glass, with a distinctive nose of violets, blackcurrants and blueberries combined with more vegetal nuances for an overall impression of freshness. Graphite, smoke and leather add to the impressive depth and density of palate, while remaining vibrantly fruit-centric. Smooth tannins shape a distinguished, balanced and long wine, to drink now or hold for a few years to enjoy its evolution.
Grapes for this Barolo come from the Garretti and Campè vineyards, in the Barolo township of Grinzane Cavour. Typical varietal characteristics of sweet and savory herbs, tobacco, mint, liquorice, berries, roses and spice are laced together in this full-bodied, dense and chewy wine. Beautiful fruit and length paired with polished tannins make for a supple, silky wine that will only continue to improve with age.
The Riserva Valeriano magnum is a result of the utmost attention to the best grapes in the Valeriano vineyard, released after 10 years in the La Spinetta cellar. Though often considered the more austere of the Barbaresco vineyards, this wine displays a beautiful purity of fruit with ripe strawberries, citrus, and flowers, laced with aromas of herbs and spice. Full-bodied with a striking tannic backbone and beautiful concentration that lasts for minutes. The wine’s gorgeous freshness and vibrancy is maintained thanks to the time spent in magnum.
This is a precise and finely cut Barbaresco, exhibiting the most austere personality of the three La Spinetta Barbaresco wines, typical of this cru in Treiso. The vineyard is quite high for Barbaresco at 450 meters (1,476 feet) above sea level and faces entirely south. The Valeirano is a wine of tremendous energy and intensity with shades of dark cherry, sweet spice, crushed flowers, leather, mint, truffle and tobacco (perfumes reminiscent of Barolo), adding dimension to this already potent wine. Substantial tannins are softened by a touch of sophistication, a wine to watch in the future.
Released 10 years after harvest, the Starderi Riserva magnum is once again the best expression of the Starderi vineyard, crafted from carefully tended 40-60-year-old vines. An intense, vibrant red color, beautiful aromas of dried fruit and flowers follow through to reveal dark fruits like blackberry and plum and sweet spices of cloves and vanilla. This is a powerful, rich wine with a full body and chewy tannins and a long, intense finish.
The Starderi represents another top Barbaresco wine in the La Spinetta line-up, from the Starderi vineyard in Nieve. Elegant, refined aromatics of red-toned fruit, flowers and mint integrate with firm acidity and serious tannins, providing a sound structural backbone to the wine. Aged in new, medium-toast French barriques, the oak will fully integrate with time, as will the youthful tannins. This is a sophisticated and concentrated Barbaresco whose bright citrus and floral notes add a finishing touch and give something to look forward to.
As for the other magnum Riservas, grapes for the Barbaresco Riserva Gallina magnum come exclusively from the highest part of the Gallina vineyard, an ideal location for the sustainably-farmed vines, free of pesticides, herbicides and any heavy machinery that might interfere with the purity of the vineyard and grapes. The bouquet of this exclusive wine is dense and velvety, loaded with chocolate, berries and spice. In the mouth, the wine is tense and full-bodied with a beautiful blueberry, spice and mineral character. Polished and chewy tannins give way to a long and flavorful finish. Released 10 years after harvest.
A gorgeous wine, vivid and nuanced with sensual aromas of redcurrant, plum, earth, herbs, spices and flowers (rose petals, lavender). On the palate, this top Barbaresco reveals a round, dense texture with a classically dry finish and ripe tannins that dust the front teeth. Sometimes a bit shy at first, Gallina is often considered the most age-worthy of the three top La Spinetta Barbaresco wines, truly blossoming after a bit of time in the cellar. This pretty wine has an aging potential of at least 25-30 years and is ideal paired with grilled food, and rich meat dishes.
In 2006, winemaker Giorgio Rivetti bought a 4 hectare (10 acres) plot directly from the last of the Bordini family, who farmed the vineyard for over 300 years. Bordini is located adjacent to the famed Starderi vineyard, on its western corner, and it is exclusively planted to the Nebbiolo grape. The vines are 30+ years old, growing in calcareous soils at 270 meters above sea level (885 feet). Barbresco Bordini ages for 20 months in oak barriques, about 1/3 new barrels. Offering an elegant and supple expression of Nebbiolo with its dark berry fruit, rose petals and herbs. Its intense aromatics and bright character are representative of the La Spinetta style.
Named in honor of La Spinetta founder Giuseppe “Pin” Rivetti, this Nebbiolo/Barbera blend is supple and silky with an alluring aromatic presence of dark berries, shaved chocolate and hints of leather. The wine opens with the approachability and fruity appeal of Barbera, but continues with the length and elegance of Nebbiolo, each grape perfectly complimenting the other. Enjoyable early, but will also evolve nicely after a few years in the cellar.
The current expression of La Spinetta’s Langhe Nebbiolo is crafted from declassified Barbaresco and Barolo Crus, making it one of the most compelling values in Piemonte. The fruit now comes from the prestigious Barbaresco vineyards of Bordini, Gallina, and Starderi in Neive, as well as Valeirano in Treiso — all renowned for producing complex and age-worthy wines. A small percentage of Nebbiolo also comes from the Garretti Barolo Cru in the historic village of Grinzane Cavour, adding further depth and structure. The wine is racy and beautifully layered, showing vivid notes of red cherry, raspberry, and crushed blueberries, laced with floral highlights, sweet spices, and a subtle minty lift. It’s full-bodied and expressive, yet elegant and polished, offering the charm and complexity of its noble origins in a style meant to be enjoyed young — though it certainly has the bones to evolve gracefully over several years.
This gorgeous Barbera comes from the small (10 acres) south-facing Gallina vineyard in Neive. This is a supple, dense and racy wine, with no hard edges and tons of concentration. Generous aromas of dark raspberry jam, blueberry, mocha, shaved dark chocolate, spice and new leather fill out nicely in a creamy, generous Barbera that expresses the natural, almost feminine, silkiness and character that make this wine so unique.
The Bionzo is a big, concentrated, dense Barbera produced from old vines in Costigliole d’Asti. Nearly 18 months in oak (plus six in stainless steel and bottle), delivers an incredibly rich, structured wine with a plethora of perfumes including black cherry, cassis, gravel, smoke, chocolate, liquorice and menthol. Broad and silky with an incredibly depth of flavor, the characteristic richness of the Bionzo complements its acidity, finishing with smooth, slightly oaky tannins and a whole range of dark spices. This isn’t your average Barbera, this is a wine that will continue to evolve for 20-25 years.
Though the Barbera grape from Asti usually tends to be crisper and sharper (when compared to the Barbera grape from Alba), the Ca’ di Pian exudes a rich concentration and relatively tame acidity, thanks to 45-year-old vines and low vineyard yields. Aromas of blueberry, wet earth and a hint of orange peel come through, and this Barbera’s full body and intensity are balanced by a silky smooth finish, combining richness with finesse.
The Chardonnay Lidia is produced according to a Burgundian blueprint, seeking freshness and minerality and always keeping the alcohol in check, never above 13.5%. From the same high-altitude vineyard site as the Sauvignon, after primary and malolactic fermentations in oak, the Chardonnay spends an additional year aging in a combination of large casks and neutral barriques. Though crafted to withstand some cellaring, the Lidia is creamy and layered even at a young age, with exotic fruit aromas of pineapple and peach and enticing mineral nuances. Finishes rich and dry with a hint of butterscotch and subtle lingering fruit.
100% Sauvignon Blanc, planted at 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level in sandy soil, this fresh white is bursting with bright aromas of green pear, yellow plum, sea salt and a whole garden of fresh herbs (particularly sage). Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are carried out in 200L French oak casks, enhancing the wine’s concentration and structure. A delicious savory note, accompanied by a gripping minerality and acidity, make this a great food wine.
The Moscato grapes for the Oro are left to dry in the cellar until the end of December, followed by alcoholic and malolactic fermentation and an additional two years aging in new French oak barrels. The result is virtually liquid gold (“Oro” in Italian), a luscious wine with intense, pure aromas of grapefruit skin, honeysuckle, crystallized ginger, aromatic herbs and honey. Juicy, precise and penetrating, succulent yet firm flavors of lemon, thyme, vanilla, ripe citrus and pear are accented by maple syrup and spice. This is a dense, luscious, rich Moscato wine that pairs nicely with chocolate desserts and rich cheeses.
The Moscato Biancospino is lively and pure with aromas of ripe yellow apple, tangerine, lemon ice and sweet spices. A gentle, inviting mousse and flavors of fresh citrus, sage and minerals linger on the floral and long back end, making this traditionally dessert wine an ideal choice for an aperitif or a refreshing brunch beverage as well.
Along with the Biancospino, Bricco Quaglia was the first single-vineyard Moscato wine in Italy. This is a sweet and seductive wine with lush aromas of crisp green apple and honeysuckle. A full and juicy Moscato filled with fruity flavors of pear and peaches and a hint of sweet caramel. This is a deliciously sweet wine, perfect for any occasion.
