The
wines
of Spinetta,
Piedmont, Italy
Via Annunziata, 14054 Castagnole Lanze, Asti, Italy
Tel: +39 0141 877396
UK agent: Enotria (marketing@enotria.co.uk)
La Spinetta is a modern Italian superstar winery, making
forward, intense wines with the aid of rotary fermenters, new oak and
consultant winemaker Stephane Mazzetta. Three brothers, Bruno, Carlo
and Giorgio Rivetti are the driving force behind this much talked
about operation. They make three Barbarescos, named Gallina, Valeirano
and Starderi, of which I tried just one here.
While I didn’t care much for the Chardonnay, La
Spinetta’s reds are fantastically alluring. They share a forward,
modern style that’s hard to resist, even if you have rather
traditionalist tendencies.
La Spinetta Piemonte Chardonnay ‘Lidia’ 2000
Creamy, spicy, toasty edge to the nose which displays quite classy
oaking. The oak is a bit overdone on the palate though which shows
nice crisp fruit with a vanilla edge. Very good+ 85/100
La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti
Superiore 2001
Opaque purple/black colour. Spicy, liquoricey black fruit nose is
vivid and intense. The palate is intensely rich with forward, ripe
fruit and a spicy edge. A massive wine but one that’s in balance.
Very good/excellent 93/100
La Spinetta Sezzana Rosso Toscana 2001
Ripe, spicy liquoricey fruit on the nose. The palate shows a huge
concentration of sweet fruit with a nice spicy structure. Delicious,
and like the Barbera it’s still in balance despite the intensity.
Very good/excellent 92/100
La Spinetta Barbaresco ‘Vursù Vigneto Valeirano’ 2000
Slightly pale colour. Taut, herby spicy nose with some sweetness
to it. The palate is rich and intense, displaying a massive
concentration of tight-knit herbal fruit with a spicy edge. Bold and
intense. Very good/excellent 94/100
UK availability: Robersons, Ballantynes, SWIG, Wimbledon Wine
Cellar, Nonna’s, Gauntley, Czerwick Fine Wine and Cheeses.
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