La Spinetta

Fresh bouquet typical of the grape variety, light and very appetising. Biancospino - certified organic since 2021 - is an expressive wine with generous fruit notes and endowed with an engaging personality. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright ruby red with violet reflections and intensely fragrant, very clear, the Ca' di Pian shows ripe dark cherry and black currant. Beautifully juicy on the palate, it develops with power, but always remains elegant. A hint of mint in the precise finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The La Spinetta 2019 Barbera d'Asti Superiore Ca' di Pian is dark, ripe and very concentrated. The wine offers lifted aromas of black and purple fruits with crushed stone or chalk at the back. The acidity is, of course, very present. There is a point of candied cherry sweetness that rides high on the bouquet." Robert Parker

"We like the polish to the tannins here with some berry, chocolate and spice aromas and flavors. Medium body. Smoke and bitter lemon on the finish." James Suckling

Classic Nebbiolo from, among others, the now not so young vines of the cru site Starderi, which stands up to many a Barbaresco: Bright intense ruby with garnet rim, a lot of fresh, clear berry fruit in the elegant bouquet, accentuated acidity on the palate, which then gives way to the beautiful fruit and the well-proportioned tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and floral with cherries and nuts on the nose and palate. Medium to light body. Crisp finish." James Suckling

This is a light-weight wine that is still rather fresh and cheerful when young, but which will develop into a highly complex and more than serious white wine over the years. In the still youthful, fresh bouquet, we already find a lot of minerality and fine yellow fruit notes, then on the palate a texture and depth that comes to the fore more and more at 2° higher drinking temperature and appropriate aeration. It will be even better in a few years - guaranteed! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a fragrant and racy white with aromas of waxed lemons, green apples, grapefruits, wild herbs and juniper berries. Medium-bodied with a gently waxy texture and bright acidity. Lots of energy, with subtle peppery spice at the end. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The 2021 Colli Tortonesi Timorasso has the structure, acidity and grip to go the long haul in your cellar. The age-worthy Timorasso grape delivers waxy aromas of mature fruit, fragrant pear and shiny latex. The wine's smooth texture wraps thickly over the palate." Robert Parker

Bionzo is a vineyard site in Costigliole d'Asti planted with vines that are 80 years old or older. The 2017 release is a bold wine, offering generous fruit but then carefully pulling back to show elegance and complexity. The vibrant character of the fruit shines brightly, as does the softness and textural richness. Dried plum, blackberry and sweet cherry are supported by baking spice, earth and cedar. The finish is endlessly long with exceptional fruity persistence. Great! SUPERIORE.DE

"A pretty and edgy barbera with dried berry and dark plum character with some earth. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barbera d'Asti Superiore Bionzo shows dark and mature fruit with more oak, spice and softness. The fruit is concentrated and bold, showing broad-brush intensity with blackberry, plum and a pop of fresh acidity." Robert Parker

Gallina is a beguiling Barbera with wonderful freshness and clarity. Beautiful scent of violets, tar, smoke, minerals, plums and spices. The wine loves time in the glass where it shows a lot of minerality and a long, pure finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The La Spinetta 2018 Barbera d'Alba Gallina is balanced and bright with dark fruit, pressed blackberry, plum and sweet potting soil. The wine is soft and richly textured, making it perfect to pair across from a classic roast pork dinner." Robert Parker

Pin is dedicated to Giuseppe, the father of the Rivetti siblings Carlo, Bruno, Giorgio and Giovanna. It is a blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera. The Barbera comes from the Bionzo vineyard, while the Nebbiolo is a selection from old vines in Castagnole Lanze. This is a beautiful blend of Piedmont's great red grapes, delivering freshness and bright intensity. Expansive and persistent aromas of blueberries, currants and blackberries. Powerful cherry and cassis rise to the top, followed by light spice and smoke from barrel ageing. The harmonious balance between these two grape varieties, one providing exuberance and the other elegance, is simply magnificent. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Monferrato Rosso Pin (Nebbiolo, Barbera) is bright, floral and vibrant. Crushed rose petal, mint, spice and lavender all open in the glass. The 2016 is a rich, structured wine that balances density with energy. Pin is the wine that made La Spinetta`s reputation in the early days and remains a flagship." Vinous

"Dried-fruit, meat and citrus aromas follow through to a full body with chewy tannins that are focused and intense. This needs time to open and soften." James Suckling

"The 2016 Monferrato Rosso Pin is a blend of mostly Nebbiolo with some Barbera in a supporting role. The wine offers lots of cherry and a distinctive mineral note of crushed aspirin or chalk. Those two sides of the wine, the sweetness of the fruit and that dryness, work nicely together to build the aromatic profile of this elegant production." Robert Parker

Pin is dedicated to Giuseppe, the father of the Rivetti siblings Carlo, Bruno, Giorgio and Giovanna. It is a blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera. The Barbera comes from the Bionzo vineyard, while the Nebbiolo is a selection from old vines in Castagnole Lanze. This is a beautiful blend of Piedmont's great red grapes, delivering freshness and bright intensity. Expansive and persistent aromas of blueberries, currants and blackberries. Powerful cherry and cassis rise to the top, followed by light spice and smoke from barrel ageing. The harmonious balance between these two grape varieties, one providing exuberance and the other elegance, is simply magnificent. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of Nebbiolo with some Barbera, the La Spinetta 2018 Monferrato Rosso Pin reveals a pretty and lasting bouquet with a prominent theme of red roses and dried flowers. The Barbera is used in a supporting role, but it adds enough freshness and fruity concentration to change the personality of this wine and immediately open it to a vast selection of food pairings, from pasta with meat sauce or braised beef." Robert Parker

"The aromas of dried flowers really come out of the glass. It’s medium-bodied with creamy tannins and a fine and beautiful finish. Pretty softness and brightness and mouthfeel." James Suckling

Bright rich golden yellow, playful aroma of fine spicy herbs, some tobacco and lots of candied orange peel. On the palate a terrific firework of dried fruit flavours, the fresh acidity gives structure. Wonderfully balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright rich golden yellow, playful aroma of fine spicy herbs, some tobacco and lots of candied orange peel. On the palate a terrificfirework of dried fruit flavours, the fresh acidity gives structure. Wonderfully balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very aromatic, this dessert white displays dried apricot, caramel, orange peel, white pepper and floral aromas and flavors. Light-bodied and elegant, with a spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Packaged in a precious 500-milliliter bottle, La Spinetta's 2013 Piemonte Moscato Passito Oro shows a dark copper color with yellow amber highlights. You taste the Moscato clearly with fragrant yellow rose or acacia, candied almond, blood orange, honey and marron glacé. The mouthfeel is viscous and rich." Robert Parker

Dark fruits on the nose, nuanced with spices, tar, liquorice and wild berries. The mouthfeel is soft and supple with a lasting and silky texture. Here comes a Nebbiolo that exudes character and personality. Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is a precise interpretation of the grape, drawing a fine line between elegance and power with ease. SUPERIORE.DE

"The roses and lemon leaf come through in the nose, with a palate of cherries and plums. Medium-bodied with chewy yet fine tannins and a medium finish. A year or two will soften this." James Suckling

"La Spinetta's 2019 Barbaresco Bordini opens to a wide and ample set of Nebbiolo aromas spanning from Morello cherry and plum, to dark earth and spicy licorice. This is a solid, mid-weight expression and a wine that ultimately lasts long on the palate thanks to the density and quality of its texture." Robert Parker

Pure-varietal Chardonnay in the finest Burgundy style in honour of Lidia, the mother of the three Rivetti brothers. Straw yellow with greenish reflections. Delicate-butterscotch nose of pineapple, peach, with nuances of stone fruit. Multi-layered, creamy and dry on the palate, the beautiful mineral vein and subtle lingering fruit accompany this elegant Chardonnay into a complex and long finish. A wine monument that will gain in tension and elegance with increasing maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried apples, waxed lemon, jasmine, nutmeg and smoked almonds on the nose. It's full-bodied with fresh acidity and a waxy texture. Flavorful with complex layers of fruit and spice. Delicious now." James Suckling

Barolo Vigneto Garretti smells invitingly floral of small, white flowers, berries and spices. On the palate, freshness, medium body and firm tannins, one senses the great potential. Barolo Garretti is a wine from the slopes of the La Spinetta estate in Grinzane Cavour. Previously, these grapes were used in the Barolo Campé. SUPERIORE.DE

"The La Spinetta 2018 Barolo Garretti is underlined by a dark and savory quality that appears throughout this experience. Blackberry and dried cherry give the wine solid grounding and a long-lasting taste profile. Those dark fruit tones are amply surrounded by spice, toasted hazelnut and black truffle." Robert Parker

"This is a solid 2018 with medium to full body, chewy tannins and a fruity, smoky, and nutty finish. Needs time to soften. Try after 2025." James Suckling

Pure-varietal Chardonnay in the finest Burgundy style in honor of Lidia, the mother of the three Rivetti brothers. straw yellow with greenish reflexes. Delicate-butterscotch nose of pineapple, peach, with nuances of stone fruit. Multi-layered, creamy and dry on the palate, the lovely mineral vein and subtle lingering fruit accompany this elegant Chardonnay into a complex and long finish. A wine monument that will gain in tension and elegance with increasing maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"La Spinetta's 2017 Piemonte Chardonnay Lidia is an oak-aged wine that sees its fruit sourced from a hillside vineyard in the area of Mango at a high 500 meters above sea level with loose, sandy soils. These conditions add to the freshness of the wine that comes through clearly, even in a hot vintage like this. This wine shows some pointed acidity or sharpness, followed by stone fruit, tropical tones and green papaya. The oak is played well, adding mild notes of tasted spice and hazelnut. Production is small, with just 2,500 bottles made." Robert Parker

"Layers of ripe nectarine, mango, cream and toast on the nose. It’s full-bodied and ripe, yet with elegance and poise. Hawthorn and smoked-almond flavors, balanced by crisp acidity." James Suckling

A great Barbaresco, destined for long ageing: Garnet red, concentrated and powerful the scent of red berries, freshly cut flowers, mint and tobacco. The taste is also bursting with power and fullness, but still holds a captivating purity, immediacy and elegance, the framework of which is formed by the beautifully integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"With fruit from Neive, the La Spinetta 2018 Barbaresco Gallina Vürsù is packaged in a heavy glass bottle. The wine is extremely polished and tight, especially at this young stage, with a pretty assembly of wild berry, grilled herb, blue flower and crushed stone. What's terrific here is that no element is out of place. These different characteristics all work together to create lasting balance, and I'm sure that this sensation will only become more evident as the wine takes on more bottle age." Robert Parker

"A gorgeous, elegant wine, the 2018 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is captivating from the very first taste. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol build in the glass. More than anything else, though, I am impressed by the wine's vibrancy and poise. Gallina has always aged beautifully here. I expect that will be the case with the 2018 as well." Vinous

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards at 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this nevertheless very elegant red. Buy, store and revel in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"So perfumed and floral with bright black cherries and citrus, following through to a full-bodied yet very tight and intense palate. Compact and beautiful. Slightly austere at the end. This needs time to open and soften." James Suckling

"These 2018 Barbarescos from La Spinetta are just terrific. The 2018 Barbaresco Valeirano Vürsù (with 7,000 bottles made) completes this line with its fruit from the village of Treiso. This wine is less etched and sharp than the others, and it exhibits a rich and more fleshed-out approach with greater volume. There is plenty of dark fruit and shades of cherry, but a lasting impression is made by spice, licorice and balsam herb." Robert Parker

"The 2018 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is especially fine. As always, the Valeirano is a classically austere Barbaresco, but that side of its personality is less evident in 2018 than it has been in the past, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. All the elements are so nicely balanced." Vinous

Barbaresco Starderi from the municipality of Neive presents itself almost austere with its scent of pink pepper and cocoa, which combined with the subtle wood notes gives a delicious overall aroma; powerful and rich taste with the still superficial but very noble tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Roses, dried fruit, hazelnuts and some spices on the nose. Full-bodied with very creamy tannins that are polished and beautiful. This is very structured and needs time to soften, but beautiful and solid." James Suckling

"Another especially elegant expression from La Spinetta, the 2018 Barbaresco Starderi Vürsù demonstrates how well this winery worked in this slightly cooler growing season. All the wines across this portfolio appear bright and more ethereal, representing a subtle pivot for proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and his crew. Dried cassis, limestone and crushed flowers emerge from the bouquet, and the wine imparts a lasting and highly polished mouthfeel." Robert Parker

"The 2018 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi is a powerful, structured wine. Readers will have to be patient with the 2018, as it is a mere infant. Dried cherry, mint, spice, rose petal, kirsch and sweet red cherry fill out the layers nicely as the Starderi shows off its characteristic volume. Give this a few years to soften." Vinous

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards at 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this nevertheless very elegant red. Buy, store and revel in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Combines fine fruit with a red berry background and a note of box sage typical of the winery, everything seems velvety and solid at first, towards the finish more and more of the wood comes through and overlays the fruit, in addition salty and with elegantly bundled fine radiance." Weinwisser

"Lots of roses to the red fruits and dry earth aromas. Some lemon bush. It’s medium-bodied with chewy tannins and a leaner and fresh finish. Drinkable, but better in a couple of years." James Suckling

"Packaged with the distinctive rhinoceros label, the La Spinetta 2019 Barbaresco Valeirano Vürsù has some ripeness and softness that is expressed with blackberry, plum and sweet spice. The wine is structured and full-bodied, but it also shows integrated tannins that support the wine in a firm but effortless manner." Robert Parker

Barbaresco Starderi from the municipality of Neive is almost austere with its aroma of pink pepper and cocoa, which, combined with the subtle wood notes, gives a delicious overall aroma; powerful and rich on the palate with the still superficial but very noble tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"The La Spinetta 2019 Barbaresco Starderi Vürsù is perfumed and bright with dark rose and wild plum. The wine is solid and dense, with a pretty presentation of fruit that feels healthy and crunchy at the same time. The tannins are well integrated into this structured, full-bodied Barbaresco. The Starderi has shown a very consistent performance over the years." Robert Parker

"Beautiful aromas of plums and violets with some flint. Full-bodied. Layered and softly chewy. Meat, berry and hints of cedar and nutmeg. Flavorful finish. Solid and very together with a softness at the back of the palate. Drink in 2026 and beyond." James Suckling

A great Barbaresco, destined for long ageing: Garnet red, concentrated and powerful the scent of red berries, freshly cut flowers, mint and tobacco. The taste is also bursting with power and fullness, but still holds a captivating purity, immediacy and elegance, the framework of which is formed by the beautifully integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegance flashes on the nose, along with the herbal and woody notes typical of and accompanying this vineyard, always remains pithy and vital, salty and showing sweet fruit, the great class of the site flashes through at every stage and is marked by wood tannin on the finish." Weinwisser

"The 2019 Barbaresco Gallina Vürsù is a beautiful wine with delicate aromas of forest fruit, cassis, spice, earthy truffle and grilled herb. This tight, lean-bodied wine has firm tannins and a very long, elegant finish." Robert Parker

"A tight and structured young Barbaresco with red fruits, crushed stone, ash and slate in the nose and palate. Medium-to full-bodied. Polished and chewy with a solid finish at the end. Needs three or four years to soften but very well done." James Suckling

The Campè vineyard is located above Garretti in Grinzane Cavour. Barolo Campè Vürsù by La Spinetta draws its fruit from the upper part of the vineyard, where the topsoil is shallow and the vines are oldest at 70+ years. Campè 2017 opens to a velvety and dark and very potent appearance with dark garnet hues. The nose shows dark primary fruit with dried blackberries and plums, but also savoury notes of spice, tar and dried liquorice root. The wine shows a firm backbone and is actually not at all restrained, but the elegant tannins complement the captivating interplay of fruit and structure into the long, very classic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Open-hearted fruit, underpinned by balsamic notes and radiating warmth; everything seems polished and at a high level, with grippy tannin and delicate notes from the oak barrel. Lingers long and seems charming at a high level." Weinwisser

"The 2017 Barolo Campè is a very pretty, elegant wine. Proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and winemaker Stefano Mazzeta did everything right with the 2017, a wine that is so harmonious in the early going. The Campè is bright, punchy and so expressive. A spine of tannin gives the wine energy and shape, with all the elements so nicely balanced. Another few years in bottle will help immeasurably." Vinous

"The La Spinetta 2017 Barolo Campè Vürsù sources its fruit from the Garretti vineyard in Grinzane Cavour. The wine shows depth, vertical intensity and quite an impressive range of aromas that span redcurrant and berry to hazelnut paste and earthy truffle. Despite the shiny ruby appearance of the wine, this is a full-bodied Barolo with plenty of power and true grit, or what the Italians call "grinta." Give those nervous tannins time and patience." Robert Parker

"This is really something, with superb concentration of fruit and tannins. It’s powerful yet harmonious with a muscular sense and agile feel. Blackberries and strawberries with bark and wet-earth undertones. Goes on for a long time on the palate. Give it three to five years of bottle age to come around." James Suckling

Barolo Campè comes out on top in the field of its top-class competitors almost every year, and not only because of its label emblazoned with a rhinoceros. Evidence shows that rhinos lived in the game preserves of Rome's rulers as early as the second century. Domitian, Commodus and Caracalla owned animals of this species. Just the right illustration for this thoroughly stately wine.

On the nose, aromas of flowers and berries, with notes of vanilla and a hint of rosebud, full-bodied and very concentrated, with great, initially chewy tannin and a long, powerful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"La Spinetta's 2018 Barolo Campè possesses uncommon depth for the year. There's terrific breadth in the dark red cherry/plum fruit. New leather, spice, tobacco, menthol, licorice and orange peel notes. Like all wines in 2018, the Campè is on the lighter side. Even so, proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and longtime winemaker Stefano Mazzetta clearly got the best out of the vintage." Vinous

"Boasting an orange lion on the label meant to symbolize "Barolo, the king on wines," the La Spinetta 2018 Barolo Campè Vürsù is bold, elegant and firm. In a vintage that often delivers understated wines, this expression feels especially intense, ripe and thickly layered. Dark fruit, plum, earth and spice rose from the bouquet. The tannins stand out in the 2018." Robert Parker

"A solid and powerful 2018 with plum, earth, black truffle and mahogany aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, chewy and rich at the end for the vintage. Try after 2025." James Suckling

Bionzo is a vineyard site in Costigliole d'Asti planted with vines that are 80 years old or older. The 2017 release is a bold wine, offering generous fruit but then carefully pulling back to show elegance and complexity. The vibrant character of the fruit shines brightly, as does the softness and textural richness. Dried plum, blackberry and sweet cherry are supported by baking spice, earth and cedar. The finish is endlessly long with exceptional fruity persistence. Great! SUPERIORE.DE

"A pretty and edgy barbera with dried berry and dark plum character with some earth. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barbera d'Asti Superiore Bionzo shows dark and mature fruit with more oak, spice and softness. The fruit is concentrated and bold, showing broad-brush intensity with blackberry, plum and a pop of fresh acidity." Robert Parker