"One of Italy's most fashionable winemakers/proprietors, Giorgio Rivetti displays a masterful touch whether he is making Barbera, Moscato d'Asti, or his proprietary red wine Pin." – Robert Parker, Jr.
"Giorgio Rivetti, owner and winemaker of La Spinetta in Barbaresco, has become one of the leading forces in Piedmont. He's making exciting ripe, fruit-forward Nebbiolos that would give many highly rated New World wines a run for their money. Now he's making waves in Barolo....Rivetti is first and foremost a winemaker--one of the best and most innovative winemakers in Piedmont today. But he is also in tune with today's consumer, whom he believes shares his preference for wines that are more approachable on release." -- The Wine Spectator
Giorgio Rivetti's magic touch with Moscato, Barbera, Nebbiolo and, more recently, Sangiovese, Colorino, Vermentino and Sangiovese Rosé has taken the wine world by storm. He produces approachable yet age-worthy wines that command the attention of wine critics and consumers alike, year-in and year-out; their lushness, concentration, aromatics and length are unrivaled. Giorgio's speedy ascent from Moscato producer in the 1970's to venerated Barbaresco and Barolo vigneron today is studded with success.
The genius of La Spinetta encompasses a vast array of great wines, all boasting an inimitably approachable and voluptuous style. From Moscato to Nebbiolo to Sangiovese, whatever Giorgio touches turns to gold. His pioneering single-vineyard Barberas and Barbera/Nebbiolo blend "Pin" are considered to be the best of the Langhe. His Barbareschi and Baroli are at the very top of their category. In fact La Spinetta's wines are among Italy's most celebrated, as the winery has attained the coveted Tre Bicchieri award for more than 30 of their wines throughout their relatively short career. Let it never be said, however, that the greatness of La Spinetta is inaccessible to the average consumer; from the longtime favorite Barbera d'Asti "Ca' di Pian," featured in numerous magazines as a Best Value, to the Langhe Nebbiolo, a bottling of young vine fruit from the famed Starderi vineyard in Barbaresco, the winery offers incredible opportunities to experience the beauty of their best crus at a fraction of the cost.
In addition to the wines of La Spinetta, Giorgio Rivetti and his son Andrea have recently taken ownership of the beautiful and historic Contratto estate, where they produce both sparkling wines and a line of spirits. Giuseppe Contratto founded Contratto in 1867, and the estate remained in the family's hands for 126 years. In 1993, Carlo Bocchino purchased the property, and the historical cellars underwent substantial renovations. In 2011, Giorgio Rivetti and the La Spinetta took ownership of this understated jewel with the goal of reviving Contratto to its former glory. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Contratto produces traditional method sparkling wine and selected spirits that we are proud to represent.
Vinous Media 90 "Pale pink. Grapefruit aromas are dominant on the nose and in the mouth. Tart and juicy, this tastes and smells like a pink-colored
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Italy » Moscato d'Asti
The Wine From a 20 hectare plot of 35+ year old vines grown in calcareous and sandy soils comes this fresh and lively Moscato d’Asti. Grown
The Wine "The La Spinetta Nebbiolo Langhe comes from the youngest part of the Starderi vineyard in Neive. The vines are between 5-7 years old and
" Intense ruby red color. Aromas of wild cherry, black currant and sweet plum. On the palate, this wine offers silky tannins and a fruity
Vinous Media 88 "The 2015 Barbera d'Asti Ca' di Pian is bold, plump and juicy, all qualities that make it an excellent choice for drinking now
Wine Advocate 95 "The 2009 Barolo Vigneto Garetti comes from the lowest part of the vineyard. It shows great power and density with fleshy fruit, dried
James Suckling 94 "Complex and warm aromas of cherries, dried strawberries, lemon rind and light licorice. Cut-grass undertones, too. Medium to full body, ripe and round
James Suckling 91 "Extremely perfumed with violet and blackberry aromas. Full body with firm, silky tannins and an attractive acid-fruit balance on the finish that titillates
Stephen Tanzer 89 "(bottled in July of 2013; partly aged in one- and two-year-old barriques): Good medium red. Plum, tobacco, licorice and nutty oak
Wine Information: 13.5% alcohol by volume Total production in 2004: 65,000 bottles Location: Terricciola, Tuscany, near Pisa Soil: Calcareous Average Altitude: 250 meters above sea level
Wine Spectator 90 "Animal aromas give way to cherry, raspberry and white pepper flavors on the palate, backed by stiff tannins. The aftertaste is long, with
"The La Spinetta Nebbiolo Langhe comes from the youngest part of the Starderi vineyard in Neive. The vines are between 5-7 years old and grown
Wine Advocate 90 "The 2009 Monferrato Rosso Pin comes across as slightly understated in this vintage, which is surprising, considering how structured the rest of the
Wine Spectator 87 "This plummy, straightforward Sangiovese shows citrus fruit and dried cherry, with silky tannins. A little austere, but rich and interesting. Best after 2010.
Wine Advocate 91 "La Spinetta’s 2009 Langhe Nebbiolo (from young vines in Starderi) is gorgeous in this vintage. Sweet raspberries, flowers, mint and herbs swirl around
Wine Advocate 90 "The 2008 Il Colorino di Casanova comes across as quite rich and dark in its wild cherries, tobacco, smoke and worn-in leather. This
Wine Spectator 91 "Though not dense, this is muscular, with beefy tannins shoring up the cherry, licorice and tobacco flavors. Stays juicy and persistent, with elements
" The La Spinetta Nebbiolo Langhe comes from the youngest part of the Starderi vineyard in Neive. The vines are between 5-7 years old and
Wine Advocate 88 "The 2007 Il Gentile di Casanova is a generous dark red with plenty of fruit. Sweet, floral notes add a measure of complexity,
Wine Spectator 92 "A vibrant center of energy drives the strawberry and cherry flavors in this intense, elegant red. The tannins are sinewy, yet this remains
"Named in honor of Giuseppe Rivetti, nicknamed Pin, this wine is deep, dark red in color with a complex and intense nose. Exotic and
Robert Parker 91 "The estate's 2005 Pin (65% Nebbiolo, 35% Barbera) is a lovely, engaging effort with floral aromatics, a soft, expansive core of fruit and
Robert Parker 87 "The entry-level 2006 Il Nero di Casanova is a straightforward offering loaded with ripe dark fruit. This medium to full-bodied red possesses an
Robert Parker 89 "La Spinettas 2008 Langhe Nebbiolo, from young vines in Starderi, is a big, generous wine bursting with fruit. It shows tons of depth
Robert Parker 90 "The 2006 Pin is a terrific wine that captures the essence of the Spinetta style. Super ripe red cherries, flowers and sweet toasted