La Spinetta and E.Pira Tasting with special guests Giorgio Rivetti and Chiara Boschis

Monday, February 8, 2016 - 07:00 PM

This Event has been read: 2838 times.

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Thoughts on the matter: “I like all paintings. I always look at the paintings, good or bad, in barbershops, furniture stores, provincial hotels. I’m like a drinker who needs wine. As long as it is wine, it doesn’t matter which wine.”

Pablo Picasso
Painter


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I will not take just any wine and if I have a choice on my last supper one on the wines on the table that evening will be Nebbiolo from the Piedmont.  So it will be a religious experience for me having two of my favorite wineries from the Piedmont at this event both La Spinetta  and E. Pira’s wines will be featured at this event and for this special tasting we have our good friends Giorgio Rivetti and Chiara Boschis on hand this evening!  Wine Watch Catering’s Toni Lampasone will be making a few tasty treats to accompany the tasting wines and we have room for only 20 people this evening it will be held at a private home in Fort Lauderdale.  The fee for this tasting is $150 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.

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La Spinetta and E.Pira Tasting with Special Guests Giorgio Rivetti and Chiara Boschis
Monday, February 8, 2016
7:00 PM

 

Tasting Line-up:

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Contratto Vermouth Bianco
Price: $27.00       Sale $23.76          Case $276

Cocktail to start(Vermouth, tonic, lime and sage)

“The original recipe from the early 19th century for Contratto Vermouth is based on a combination of white wine fortified with Italian brandy and more than 50 delicately infused premium natural herbs, spices, roots and seeds. This traditional process is again used to create a sophisticated elixir and a complex and well balanced boutique aperitif that will make any Vermouth based cocktail an exceptional experience." Alcohol: 18% Sugar: 190 g/l Content: 0,75l

Ingredients:   white wine, sugar, alcohol, water, herbal extracts, caramel coloring 28 of 50 major aromas  (the other 22 aromas are a secret):  Hawthorn flower/leaves, coriander seeds, marjoram leaves, bay laurel leaves, chamomile flower, yellow sweet clover, aloe juice, cinnamon, mint leaves, ginger roots, angelica roots , cardamom seeds, nutmeg, bitter orange peel, gentian roots, nettle, sweet orange peel, carob tree pods, pimento seeds, felon herb, rhubarb roots, hibiscus flower, sage, bark of China, lemon peel, bergamot orange peel, liquorices roots, sandal  wood, etc. The aromatic blend of herbs and spices gently infuses the wine to create a unique bouquet and taste. Delicious served chilled on its own with a twist of lemon, it is the perfect vermouth for classic and contemporary mixology.

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2010 Contratto Millesimato Brut 
Price: $28.75       Sale $25.30          Case $294

This is the Rivetti's newest project, Giorgio has always been a big fan if great Champagne and sparkling wine and there is great potential for Sparkling wine in the Piedmont, Contratto was founded in 1867 by Giuseppe Contratto and the winery is known as the oldest producer of sparkling wine in Italy. So this was a natural choice for them when the estate became available. The Millesimato Brut is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. The wine spends almost four years on the yeasts before disgorgement and is finished with a dosage of 5g/l. This wine has a nice developed bouquet of almond, white flowers, pear and apple fruit on the nose. A smooth and creamy mouse on the tongue with layers of flavors on the finish and nice freshness with good minerality showing through the finish.

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2014 La Spinetta Vermentino Toscana
Price: $18.75   Sale $16.50             Case $192
Quantity in Stock: 8

100% Vermentino Alcohol content: 13,0% by vol. Received awards: Average production: 32.000 bottles Average yield per ha: 4,000 bottles First vintage: 2009 Vineyard: Location: Tuscany Type of soil: mixed clay and sand Average age of vines: 10 years Average altitude: 180 m Vineyard size: 8 hectares Special characteristics: south exposure Wine making process: Time of harvest: beginning of September Cellar: LA SPINETTA, Casanova Fermentation: natural yeast alcoholic fermentation Aging: 4 months in steel on yeast Bottling: clarification and bottling Release: 6 months after harvest Wine description: Color: light golden color Bouquet: rich yet complex with scents of pine and sea grass Taste: a perfect example of what Vermentino should be, brimming with fruits and floral notes adding minerals at the end . medium-bodied with fresh peach and lime. The crisp acidity and long finish help show this wine’s true indigenous Tuscan class

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2013 E. Pira Dolcetto d'Alba
Price: $24.00       Sale $21.12          Case $245

100% Dolcetto fruit comes from 3 vineyard sites in Monforte d'Alba: Ravera (15 yr old vines), Le Coste (25 yr old vines), and Mosconi (50 yr old vines). The wine undergoes temperature controlled fermentation and is aged in 100% stainless steel to highlight the big, fruity fragrances of this excellent vintage. Production: 4,450 bottles

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2011 La Spinetta Barbera Ca Di Pian
Price: $26.00       Sale $22.88          Case $266

The Ca di Pian displays vibrant ruby red color with purple reflections in the glass. On the nose the wine exudes beautiful and complex aroms of blueberry, dried plums and sandal wood. Complex and vibrant, the wine is focused with refreshing acidity and ripe fruit.

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2012 Pira Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Price: $37.00       Sale $32.56          Case $378

The Barbera is ruby red in color with hints of violet.  In the bouquet it is intense and complete with scents of plum and blueberries. The palate is full with sensations of fleshy, fresh fruit and at the same time lively bright acidity.

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2011 La Spinetta Gallina Barbaresco
Price: $177          Sale $155.76       Case $902.70

(94 Points)  "High-toned aromatics meld into dark red cherries, plums, spices, mint and new leather. A wine of detail, nuance and precision, the 2011 impresses for its balance and overall harmony. Over the last year, the 2011 has developed into a rich, explosive Barbaresco." Vinous / Antonio Galloni

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2011 La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi
Price: $177          Sale $155.76       Case $902.70

(95 Points) "The 2011 Barbaresco Starderi is just as gorgeous today as it was the last time I tasted it, about a year ago. Dark raspberries, plums, cinnamon, wild flowers and rose petals meld together nicely in the glass. The 2011 is deep, pliant and expressive, with lovely depth and plenty of texture. Power and intensity are the signatures of Starderi, but in this vintage the wine leans more towards the weightless end of the spectrum." Vinous / Antonio Galloni

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2011 La Spinetta Valeirano Barbaresco
Price: $177          Sale $155.76       Case $902.70

(93 points)  Good bright medium red. Reticent nose hints at raspberry, menthol, licorice and sweet butter. Supple, dense and suave, offering the most volume and weight of this trio. Deep fruit here supported by an almost Barolo-like structure. Finishes with the sweetest tannins and excellent length. Made from Rivetti's latest-picked Barbaresco vines in 2011-  Stephen Tanzer

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2011 E. Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi Magnum      
Price: $239.25    Sale $210.54      

2011 E. Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi
Price: $112.00    Sale $98.56
Quantity in Stock: 7

(94 points) The 2011 Barolo Cannubi is striking. Rose petals, hard candy, and sweet spices all meld together in a silky, super-expressive Barolo endowed with superb depth and persistence. A dollop of sweetness from the new French oak is evident, but overall, the 2011 is a fairly classic-feeling Barolo. The seamless, pliant finish gives the 2011 tons of near-term appeal, but there is also more than enough depth to allow the 2011 to develop beautifully in bottle for years to come. - vinousmedia.com (March 2015) RobertParker.com #219, Jun 2015

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2011 E. Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo Mosconi (Magnum)  
Price: $231.50    Sale $203.72

2011 E. Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo Mosconi
Price: $109.00    Sale $95.92
Quantity in Stock: 22

(95 Points)  A dark, brooding wine, the 2011 Barolo Mosconi captures the sense of this Monforte site in its intense flavors and broad, ample frame. Black cherries, savory herbs, mint, tobacco, smoke and incense all flesh out in the glass as this opulent, virile Barolo shows off its personality. While the Cannubi is purely silk and sensuality, the Mosconi is all muscle. It will therefore hold more appeal to readers who like massive, powerful Barolos. - vinousmedia.com  (March 2015)

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2011 E. Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo Via Nuovo (Magnum)
Price: $201.75    Sale $177.54

(92 Points) With fruit sourced from various vineyard sites across the appellation, the 2011 Barolo Via Nuova is edgier and sharper than the other two Barolos presented by Chiara Boschis this year. This expression is more vertical and immediate with bright aromas of white cherry, cassis, dried ginger and blue flower. Unlike many of its peers made in this warm vintage, Barolo Via Nuova is delicate, feminine and ethereal. It already shows beautifully at this young stage.

Chiara Boschis is spearheading a movement to convince the 20 or so wineries that farm the Cannubi vineyard to convert to organic farming as a collective group. Because vineyard plots in this historic cru are so small and sandwiched so closely together, it really does come down to an all or nothing approach. If her proposal is successful and consensus on organic farming is reached, Cannubi would become a model for the rest of Italian wine.

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Contratto Bitter on the rocks with a twist
Price:  $33            Sale $29.04          Case $337

Contratto Bitter is a heady mix of 24 herbs, spices, roots and seeds include aloe, wormwood, bitter orange peel, cloves, cardamom, nettle, ginger and many more. These are combined with Italian Brandy to create a beautiful bitter reminiscent of Campari, but dare we say, a whole lot better. Its color comes from vegetable extracts – carrots and beetroot. A slow, cold maceration process is carried out according to tradition, and the result is a 22% liqueur.

** I will be bringing older bottles of both Pira Barolo and La Spinetta Barbaresco to share with the group.  I have a magnums of 1996 Cannubi and a Magnum of 2001 Gallina that are on the menu tonight!!

 

Wine Watch Catering’s Toni Lampasone will be making a few tasty treats to accompany the tasting wines and we have room for only 20 people this evening it will be held at a private home in Fort Lauderdale.  The fee for this tasting is $150 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.

 

A bit about La Spinetta Winery:

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Located a tad north of Barbaresco towards Asti is the "modest" facility of the Rivetti family.   When we first became acquainted with Giorgio Rivetti, he was regarded as an up-and-coming producer of fizzy Moscato d'Asti wines.  Ask anyone in the Langhe who's making top Moscato wines and they'd always have Rivetti on their short list of producers.   Move on to the 1990s and then things changed.  Oh, Rivetti still makes some of Piemonte's best fizzy Moscato wines (Biancospino, Bricco Quaglia, Bric Lapasot, San Rumu and Muscatel Vej).  If you see them while traveling around Italy, don't hesitate to order these after dinner as they are really "fun" wines.   

La Spinetta makes 3 single vineyard Barbarescos; Gallina, Valeirano, and Starderi, all are very unique despite being from vineyards not very far from each other.  All three are 100% Nebbiolo as dictated by DOCG laws and all spend a minimum of 18 months in oak and one year in bottle.  The Gallina and Starderi are single crus in Neive and Valeirano is a single cru from Treiso.  The Gallina (green label) tends to be the softest and most elegant of the three.  The Valeirano (blue label) is more tannic and aggressive with a very impressive structure.  In blind tastings, the Valeirano is often thought to be a Barolo from Serralunga d’Alba.  The Starderi (pink label) is tannic with unimaginable complexity and layers upon layers of fruit.  The 2010 vintage in the Piedmont is the latest in a string of  outstanding vintages, each of them different but nonetheless producing very high quality wine.  The 2010's have a bit more structure and depth than the highly touted 2009’s which tend to be very forward and approachable wines.

The 2000 vintage was the first release of La Spinetta’s Barolo from the Campe vineyard in Grinzane Cavour.  Even though Grinzane Cavour offers one of the greatest terroirs of the Barolo region, given its exposure to the south and its microclimate, it has never been capable of producing world class Barolos.  Giorgio feels certain that this is because no producer has been able to interpret this land as it should be interpreted.  He is confident that he will be able to make Barolo from the Campe vineyard that will rightly pay tribute to its incredible terrior.  He compares it to what Elio Altare faced with his Arborina vineyard, a previously unknown area of production for Barolo that today thanks to Altare is one of the greatest crus of Barolo.  Giorgio is very enthusiastic about meeting this challenge and by the looks of it; he may very well have done so.  I have had an opportunity to taste every one of these Barolos and have to say that from the very frist one that rated (98 Points) in the Wine Spectator they have all been Most Excellent to KILLER.  This is one of the best Barolo’s that I have ever tasted and is quite drinkable even at this young age, the 2010 could be the best release of this wine to date!!  The Campe Barolo has quickly become one of the most sought after wines made in Barolo.  This wine is KILLER!

Pin is one of the first blends of its type from the Piedmont, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon make up the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon making up less and less of the total, the new releases of this have no Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend at all.  Giorgio took this foreign varietal out of this wine completely as he has pointed out, the Piedmont is better suited to its native varietals.  Just a few short years ago producers in the Piedmont were planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other popular varietals because it was fashionable at that time.  Today it's fashionable to make wines from varietals that are indigenous to the area and there is nothing like Nebbiolo from the Peidmont found anywhere on the planet, so why plant Cabernet Sauvignon which is suitable to grow in many areas all over the world.  This wine is more international in style, a touch of toasty oak spice and cassis berry fruit, and it is the most drinkable of all the wines except the Ca di Pian upon release.

Although La Spinetta focuses on native varieties such as Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Moscato, it does produce a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay.  Giorgio assures that because these international varieties are planted in such small quantities, their production does not distract from the estate’s attention and passion towards the local varieties.  The Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are made in a lean old world style.  They show strong terroir characteristics and pronounced fruit.  La Spinetta’s Bianco is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.  The vines are grown at a very hi-altitude that leads to crispness, freshness and a wonderful perfume in the glass.  This Sauvignon Blanc is very Loire like in style with good minerality and a strong sense of terroir.  In a blind tasting with Daganau’s Pur Sang, La Spinetta’s Bianco proved to by a far more complex and interesting wine.  The wine is 50% barrel fermented and 50 % stainless steel fermented.  La Spinetta’s Chardonnay is called Lidia, in memory of Giorgio’s mother.  It is 100% barrel fermented Chardonnay.  It spends a year in oak followed by approximately 6 months in stainless steel.  It is a rich and full-bodied wine with an elegance and complexity.  They have recently added a Vermentino from their Tuscan grapes to offer and entry level white to the portfolio of La Spinetta wines.

In 2001, La Spinetta acquired 65 hectares of vineyards in Tuscany to make three different Sangiovese based wines, and so the Rivetti horizon continues to expand. La Spinetta’s newest project lies in Tuscany in the village of Terricciola between Pisa and Volterra.  Here they make their Sezzana, a 95% Sangiovese from Casciana Terme, as Sangiovese is the ambassador of the Tuscan terrain. The remaining 5% are Colorino, another Tuscan indigenous grape variety, that gives a dark ruby red color to the wine. From the 65 hectare of vineyards we also make another 95% Sangiovese single vineyard wine, called Sassontino. These Sangiovese grapes grow near Casanova, Terriciola. The first vintage of Sassontino was 2003, released in 2006.

The newest thing is the acquisition of the Contratto winery in the Piedmont which means that the Rivetti's now own a premier Sparkling wine label.  Although they did make other wines in addition to methode champenoise sparkling wines at Contratto in the past they are focusing solely on the sparkling wines under this label now.

 

About E.Pira

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Every wine region has its Grand Cru, its finest terroir, the place where the grape varietal that is best suited to that environment, where mother nature has put all the right pieces in place to create something exquisite.  For the Nebbiolo grape this area is know as the Langhe.  This area is to Italy what Burgundy is to France, you can even draw a few parallels between Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.  Both are finicky varietals that need constant attention in the vineyards and are influenced by terroir seemingly more so than any other grape variety.  They are thin skinned varietals and are subject to rot if there is too much moisture and both have a very high level of natural acidity.

Barolo has a long history of wine production, the area was named some 400 years ago and probably came from the Celtic brolio or brol, meaning “wood” or “orchard”.   The region of Barolo encompasses approximately 3,000 acres of vines situated southwest of the town of Alba, in all or part of 11 communes.  First is La Morra, with nearly one-third of the total acreage.  Following in decreasing order are Serralunga d’alba, Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, and Castiglione Falletto, and parts of six other village.  One of the most famous and most sought after vineyards in Barolo is Cannubi.
There are two main valleys in the Barolo production zone: the Barolo Valley to the west, and the Serralunga Valley to the east.  La Morra and Barolo itself are the major villages in the western valley, which also encompasses Cherasco, Novello, Roddi d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte are the major towns;  Diano d’Alba and Grinzane Cavour are also included in this district.  There are distinct characteristics that are indigenous to the wines of various area:  the wines of Serralunga Valley have suggestions of licorice and tar, the Barolos of Serralunga itself display camphor and mint;  those from Castiglione Falleto have a pronounced licorice characteristic as well as nuances of spice, mint, dried peaches, and prunes; those from Monforte recall spices, mint hazelnuts, and almonds.  The wines from the Barolo Valley bring up underbrush and truffle, as well as licorice.  Those wines from the village of Barolo have less of a licorice character but more suggestions of underbrush, truffles, and mint.  The wines of la Morra, especially those from the slopes, combine nuances of white truffle, mint, tobacco, spices, cherries, and blackberries and those from Cannubi display motes of white truffles, underbrush, raspberries, and black cherries.

One of the hottest rising stars in Barolo today is a woman, Chiara Boschis.  When Chiara stopped by the store in May of 2000, we were simply blown away by the trio of wines that she presented.  Each one of these wines got better and better.  The 1994, a difficult vintage in the Piedmont was even worthy of note, we found out later it was the only Barolo to receive the coveted “Three Glass” award from the Gambero Rosso in this difficult vintage.  The 1995 was also one of the best wines that we have tasted from this very good vintage, but the 1996 was in a word- stunning.  Here is what the Gambero Rosso had to say about E. Pira:  “Young entrepreneur Chiara Boschis, who holds a degree in Economics and Business Studies, has been running this historic, early 20th century estate in the heart of Barolo country full time since 1990.  Credit should go to Chiara for the successful relaunching of an estate whose full bodied characterful wines are today up there with the biggest names in the international wine market.  The estates adopts modern winemaking  methods including brief maceration on the skins that give its products a lovely velvet smoothness.  This does not however, detract from nebbiolo’s gutsy grip, which is enhanced by the skillful made of the estate’s technology.  The quality of the grapes more than justifies the use of new barriques.  Even in difficult years, when rigorous thinning of the vines and strict selections are necessary, the structure generated by the fruit is sufficient to benefit from a sojourn in oak-remember that fabulous Barolo of ’94.  the grapes for this Barolo come exclusively from the prestigious Cannubi subzone.  Famed for the delicacy of its wine which in this vintagealso has remarkable power.  The Cannubi ’96 has swept back to reclaim its Three Glass.  The firm ruby color shades into garnet and the nose offers warm, fruit-rich notes that come through in the crisp aromas of very ripe wild berries.  Undertones of roasted coffee and cakes add to its complex allure.  The entry on the palate is full-bodied, revealing the wine’s firm texture, before it opens out to reveal generous phenols that underpin the intriguing palate and lend weight to the long finish.  Well-judges oak lingers to add a note of sweetness.”

I paid a visit to the E. Pira winery in the Piedmont (April 2004) just after Vin Italy. This tiny operation is making some incredible wines.  The Cannubi vineyard produces some of the most prized nebbiolo grown in the Piedmont and the winemaker, Chiara Boschis is one of the most talented and hard working women in the business.  I would place these among the top 10 wines made in Barolo since 1994.  Chiara oversees all aspects of production of her wines and when it is time to rack the wine, you will find the petite Chiara in the cellars moving barrels around, the locals find it amusing that some of her young male helpers find it hard to keep up with her.  Her dedication to her work shows in the wines, the 2000, 2001 and 2003 vintage wines are some of the best that I experienced on my journey to Italy in 2004. The 2003 and 2004 vintages are very different but I appreciate both of these wines from Chiara and asked for special large format bottles as these were also the two vintages of Isabella and Antonio my two children.  So I have 3 liter bottles from both vintages just waiting for the kids to reach their 21st birthday, well the 2003 may not make it but 2004 will last much longer as this is a GREAT vintage in the Piedmont.  They have experienced another unprecedented string of excellent vintages with 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and the newly released 2011 all producing outstanding wines.


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2007 E. Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi (Magnum)
Price: $333.00    Sale $293.04

2007 E. Pira Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi
Price: $165.00    Sale $145.20
Quantity in Stock: 24

(92 Points) The 2007 Barolo Cannubi is round, sensual and totally inviting. It is one of the most open and rewarding 2007 Baroli I have tasted thus far. I have a preference for the more vibrant Via Nuova in this vintage, but the Cannubi is a fabulous Barolo to drink now and over the next few years. The uninterrupted warmth of the year did not allow for the fruit in this due south-facing parcel to develop its full aromatics, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2020. - The Wine Advocate

2014 La Spinetta Moscato Bricco Quaglia
Price: $20.00    Your Price: $17.60
Quantity in Stock: 34

Very fresh with a hint of mandarin orange, a wine that is surprisingly good with fresh peach and pear fruit slightly sweet and slightly frizzante with pretty floral notes through the finish. Finish 35 Very Good

2014 La Spinetta Rose De Casanova
Price: $16.25       Sale $14.30          Case $166

Elegant rose and wilted flowers..  One the palate tart cherry, pomegranate and honeysuckle aromas, a complex and serious wine, that allows for aging with mineral and floral finish

2012 La Spinetta Nebbiolo Langhe          
Price: $35.00       Sale $30.80          Case $357

This wine is made with the young vines from the Starderi Vineyard in Barbaresco.  Aromas of strawberry, wild herbs and flowers and tobacco spice.  Sweet berry fruit intermixed with a lovely spice and zesty acidity, an elegant wine with minty notes on the finish.  Finish 40+  Excellent

2011 La Spinetta Barolo Campe
Price: $194.00    Sale $170.72

(91 Points)    "La Spinetta's 2011 Barolo Campè is laced with dark red stone fruits, mint, French oak, sweet herbs and licorice. Overall, this is a fairly restrained style from La Spinetta. Today, the 2011 is mostly about racy, primary fruit. It will be interesting to see if the 2011 develops more complexity over time. Today, the 2011 needs time to emerge from what appears to be an awkward period based on where the wine was a few months back. My overall impression remains unchanged, though. The 2011 is built more on finesse than pure power relative to most prior vintages here. Rating: 91+" Vinous / Antonio Galloni -

2011 La Spinetta Barbera D'ASti Bionzo 
Price: $60.00       Sale $52.80          Case $612

A layered, fruity wine with violet, berry and dark-chocolate full body, silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish, combines richness with finesse. 

2011 La Spinetta Barbera Gallina             
Price: $63.00       Sale $55.44          Case $643

(91 Points)  "Deep, bright ruby-red. Blackberry, black cherry and chocolate on the nose; more oaky than the Ca' di Pian bottlings. Very sweet, chocolatey and ripe but with lovely acidity energizing the middle palate. The oak element is more harmonious on the palate and back end than on the nose. Finishes lush, fine-grained and horizontal, with lovely building length. The percentage of new oak has been cut dramatically for this wine in recent years, according to Giorgio Rivetti: the 2009 version was aged in 50% new oak and prior to that year it was done entirely in new barriques. The crop level here was a very low 30 hectoliters per hectare, according to Rivetti." Vinous / Antonio Galloni

2011 La Spinetta Pin Monferrato Rosso
Price: $57.00       Sale $50.16          Case $582

(92 Points) "(a 65/35 blend of nebbiolo and barbera, aged in one-third new barriques, down from nearly 100% prior to 2009): Good bright red-ruby. Currant, mocha and dark chocolate on the moderately oaky nose. Densely packed and sweet, with terrific acid spine giving energy and balance to the mid-palate. Dark berry, mineral and dark chocolate flavors offer impressive concentration. Finishes lively and long, with a light touch. A very successful blend of nebbiolo fruit and barbera acidity." Stephen Tanzer

2010 La Spinetta Barolo Campe                
Price: $180.00    Sale $158.40       Case $1836

(94 Points) The 2010 Barolo Campè is one of the most polished, refined wines I have ever tasted from La Spinetta. Dried rose petals, sweet herbs, tobacco and red berries meld together in a soft, silky Barolo loaded with glass. There is virtually no sensation of young Nebbiolo tannin, which is quite surprising for a year in which the wines are less immediate. A striking , perfumed finish rounds out the 2010, a Barolo that impresses for its gracious personality. Rose petals and red berries reappear on the perfumed finish. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

2010 La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi
Price: $162.00    Your Price: $142.56
Quantity in Stock: 3

(95 points) The 2010 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi is born in a vineyard that sits at 330 meters above sea level. Giorgio tells me that the challenge here is crafting a wine with both elegance and power. Thanks to ideal growing conditions in 2010, he has succeeded at his task. Firm structure is supported by fleshy fruit tones and elegantly integrated spice. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue # 207 - Jun 2013)

2010 La Spinetta Valeirano Barbaresco
Price: $162.00    Your Price: $142.56
Quantity in Stock: 4

Fruit for the 2010 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is harvested at 450 meters above sea level in the Neive township. These conditions shape a radically different character. This wine is precise and sharp with finely etched tones of spice, dark berry and wet earth. The overall structure and power of the wine is super elegant and immediate. You can safely put this bottle away for years. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035.  Wine Advocate #207 Jun 2013 Reviewer:  Monica Larner

2010 La Spinetta Gallina Barbaresco
Price: $162.00    Your Price: $142.56
Quantity in Stock: 6

(94 Points) The 2010 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina comes from low-yield producing old vines in Neive. The wine is immensely pleasurable and bright with beautiful aromatic intensity that shines bright from the glass. Only 900 cases are produced. This vineyard expression offers notable freshness and brightness that make it suitable for long cellar aging. This is a truly magnificent wine. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. Wine Advocate #207 Jun 2013 Reviewer: Monica Larner

2010 La Spinetta Barolo Garretti
Price: $67.50    Your Price: $59.40
Quantity in Stock: 7

A little smoky reduction gives way to ripe raspberry, leather and spice flavors. Supple, yet firmly structured, with refined tannins on the finish - Spectator  (October 2014)

2010 La Spinetta Barbaresco Bordini
Price: $60.00    Your Price: $52.80
Quantity in Stock: 9

La Spinetta Bordini vineyard Barbaresco comes from a 4 hectare vineyard on the western side of Nieve facing south. The vines are 20-25 years old and grow on calcerous soil at 270 meters above sea level. Harvest usually happens in the first or second week in October, after which time, the grapes are fermented in rotofermenters for 7 to 8 days. The wine then ages for 20-22 months in half neutral, half new, Medium toasted French oak barrique. Bordini Barbaresco is then aged for another year in bottle before its release. The wine is not filtered of clarified.

 

2010 La Spinetta Barbera D'Asti Bionzo
Price: $60             Sale $52.80          Case $612

La Spinetta Barbera d’Asto Superiore ‘Bionzo’ comes from Barbera grown in the 14 hectare Bionzo vineyard in Castigliole d’Asti. The vines are 45-55 years old and grow on calcareous soil at 300 meters above sea level, at a southern exposure. Harvest usually happens in the last week September to early October, after which time, the grapes are fermented in rotofermenters for 6 to 7 days. The wine then ages for 16-18 months in new, medium toasted, French oak barrique. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the barrique. The Bionzo Barbera is aged for another three months in bottle before its release. The wine is not filtered of clarified.

2010 La Spinetta Barbera Ca Di Pian
Price: $26.00    Your Price: $22.88
Quantity in Stock: 11

Ruby red with purple reflections, Beautiful and complex aromas of blueberry, dried plums and sandal wood. Complex, vibrant, focused wine with refreshing acidity and ripe fruit

2010 La Spinetta Pin Monferrato Rosso                
Price: $60             Sale $52.80          Case $612

Dark red in color with a juicy, luscious and complex core of raspberry, boysenberry and mulled currant fruit. Solid acidity and ripe dark fruit, completed by Nebbiolo length and elegance. Pairs well with grilled and elaborate red meat and strong cheeses. 65% Nebbiolo, 35% Barbera d’Asti Superiore Bionzo

2006 La Spinetta Barbaresco Valeirano
Price: $140.75    Your Price: $123.86
Quantity in Stock: 12

(91 Points) The 2006 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is another exuberant wine. Here, too, the aromatics literally jump out of the glass, as layers of perfumed super-ripe fruit are intermingled with a persistent vein of minerality. The powerful, focused Valeirano offers outstanding balance, but needs a few years in bottle for the tannins to melt away. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Wine Advocate # 185, Oct 2009

2007 La Spinetta Barbaresco Valeirano
Price: $169          Sale $148.72       Case $1723.80

(91 Points) The 2007 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano, on the other hand, is the most clenched and unexpressive of these 2007 Barbareschi. The Valeirano emerges from the glass with red berries, minerals, French oak and menthol. It is a surprisingly austere wine for 2007 and I am not sure it has the sheer density in its fruit to stand up to the French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027.

This is a beautiful set of 2007 Barbareschi from La Spinetta. With one exception the wines show the trademark open sensual quality of the vintage but with less overt oakiness than has sometimes been the case. In short, readers who appreciate sensual full-bodied Nebbiolo will find much to admire here.  Wine Advocate #192, Dec 2010

2006 La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi     
Price: $175          Sale $154.00       Case $1785

(93 Points) Wonderfully floral, with cream and berry aromas. Full-bodied, with round, chewy tannins and lots of fruit. Generous and rich for the vintage. Best after 2012. 1,200 cases made. -JS Wine Spectator Issue: Sep 30, 2009

2007 La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi     
Price: $169          Sale $148.72       Case $1723.80

(94 Points) The 2007 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi bursts from the glass with red berries, sweet spices, roses and mint, all of which come together on a powerful, richly structured frame that is the hallmark of Barbareschi from Neive. The Starderi is the most tannic of the estate’s 2007s but it is a wine with significant promise and a long road ahead of very fine drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.  Wine Advocate #192, Dec 2010

2006 La Spinetta Barbaresco Gallina
Price: $175          Sale $154.00       Case $1785

(93 Points) A fabulous nose of Christmas pudding, plum and lemongrass leads to a full body, with soft, silky tannins and beautiful fruit. Best after 2012. 960 cases made. -JS Wine Spectator Issue: Sep 30, 2009
               
2007 La Spinetta Barbaresco Gallina       
Price: $169          Sale $148.72       Case $1723.80

(93 Points)  The 2007 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is focused and nicely articulated. This is a rather firm, nuanced Gallina from La Spinetta with gorgeous length, tons of detail and fabulous overall balance. It is at once more concentrated and also deeper than the Bordini, so another few years in bottle seem a prerequisite. The Gallina is the most improved wine the estate’s lineup. The 2007 is quite possibly the most polished, elegant Gallina I have ever tasted here. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. Wine Advocate #192, Dec 2010

La Spinetta Barolo Campe 04/05/06 (Combo Pack)
Price: $207          Sale $182.16       Case $2112

 

Tuscan Wines from La Spinetta’s Casanova Estate

 

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2011 La Spinetta Nero Di Casanova
Price: $19.25       Sale $16.94          Case $197

Intense ruby red. On the nose, blue and blackberry, crisp cherry and a hint of tobacco. Intriguing profile of dark cherries, leather, licorice and tobacco, all of which come together in a medium-bodied, delicate frame that is typical of Sangiovese. The wine shows lovely inner sweetness and perfume through to the long finish.

2010 La Spinetta Chianti Riserva Casanova          
Price: $31.00       Sale $27.28          Case $317

2009 La Spinetta Chianti Riserva Casanova
Price: $30.00    Your Price: $26.40
Quantity in Stock: 5

SW corner of Chianti a mixture of fruit from both Sezzana and Sassontino fruit but with different barrel regime larger and aged for two years. Some pretty floral notes red cherry berry fruit and a red licorice spice with some fresh herbs here also. A nice amount of light red berry fruit on the tongue with a good amount of floral highlights and some fresh earth but the focus here is on that pretty floral nuance and the light red berry fruit. Finish 40+ Excellent

2009 La Spinetta Il Colorino
Price: $29.00    Your Price: $25.52
Quantity in Stock: 7

Very intense dark red (Colorino meaning color) cents of spicy currant, plum and prune and pepper.  Full bodied, intense fruit and chocolate flavors, fine and fresh finish

2008 La Spinetta Il Colorino di Casanova
Price: $29.00    Your Price: $25.52
Quantity in Stock: 3

(90 Points) The 2008 Il Colorino di Casanova comes across as quite rich and dark in its wild cherries, tobacco, smoke and worn-in leather. This shows excellent balance in a brooding, yet mid-weight style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.

2008 La Spinetta Il Gentile di Casanova
Price: $22.00    Sale $19.36
Quantity in Stock: 8

Name/location: 60% from Casanova, Terricciola, Tuscany, young vines  40% from Sezzana, Casciana Terme, young vines

2004 La Spinetta Sassontino Tuscany
Price: $52.00    Your Price: $45.76
Quantity in Stock: 3

Wine Watch Review: Big wood 500 tonneux  95 % Sangiovese 5% Collorino Sand similar to Roero. More classic in style with fine herbs and green grassy notes to the black cherry and sandy loam minerality. Excellent freshness on the palate with a good amount of fresh acidity and lots of red and black cherry fruit. Finish 40 EXCELLENT