This Week's Tasting
Giorgio Rivetti's La Spinetta - from Barbera to Barbaresco
June 11, 2025
In our Office at 1 State Street, 10th floor
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This Week Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Giorgio Rivetti's La Spinetta - from Barbera to Barbaresco In our Office 1 State St 10th floor, 5 - 6:30pm
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Some critics think he walks on water. We know he prefers wine.
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…….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
There is only one secret behind a great wine: An exceptional grape
- Giorgio Rivetti
We have been offering Giorgio Rivetti's la Spinetta wines for over 20 years now, sometimes in tastings or dinners with the man himself. In that time his rich and expresive wines have become Italian Favorite for many of our regulars.
This week we are proud to welcome his importer, Elizabeth Kane, who will lead us through a tasting of both his more everyday and his top-level wines. This tasting will be a great refresher for those who are already fans of wines and a good introduction for those who who don’t yet know them.
For Gorgio the vineyard comes first. Whether in Piedmont or Tuscany, he farms organically by hand. No over producing ensures exceptional grapes. This approach is essential to making great wine. Thus he has received Gambero Rosso’s Tre Biccheri , their top award for more than 30 different wines, an honor earned by someone who has truly mastered his winemaking craft.
Bianco
2022 La Spinetta Vermentino Toscana
From La Spinetta’s Tuscany collection is a fresh, vibrant, mineral driven white that is sure to quench anyones thirst. For those who enjoy Sauvignon Blanc this would be an excellent Italian
White wine to try. Aroma: Bright citrus, tropical fruits, lemongrass, wet stone and a touch of meringue. Mouth: Medium body, balanced acidity, mineral texture, zesty lemon, tropical fruits with a refreshing finish. Very Good $21, Case $17.99
2020 La Spinetta Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Derthona
The Timorasso grape native to southeastern Piedmont, is often compared to Riesling and Chenin Blanc as it gives a rich, textured white wine with lively acidity. Giorgio Rivetti and his team have crafted a gorgeous white wine with soft textures, lush fruit and well integrated spice notes.
Aroma: Honeydew melon, nectarines, candied orange and lemon zest, white flowers. Mouth: Full bodied, balanced acidity, good salinity, stone fruit, melon, hints of citrus and spice. Very Good Plus $29.99, Case $25.49
Rosato
2024 La Spinetta Il Rose di Casanova
This Rosato produced from Sangiovese and Pignolo comes from vineyards in the beautiful Casanova area of northern Tuscany. It is a very balanced wine with a classic style. It is both aromatic and flavorful and perfectly medium-bodied. It’s drinkable on its own or with food. That’s why over the years this wine has become one of the favorite roses for Boston area restaurants. Bright restrained Rose color. Flavors and aromatics of cherry, strawberry with herbs and lavender. Flowers and white pepper mingle and lead into a subtle balanced finish. Very Good - Excellent $19.99, Case $16.99
Rosso
2021 La Spinetta Barbera D’Asti Superiore Ca’ Di Pian
An elevated version of Barbara that exudes richness yet showcases elegance with its freshness, balanced structure and fruit concentration to achieve a perfect balance. Aroma: Intense blackberry, morello cherry, orange peel, mint, rose petal and a spiced potpourri. Mouth: Full bodied, rich, complex, vibrant acidity, round tannins, silky texture, blackberry, black fig, dark cherry, mint and a long finish. Very Good Plus $26.99, Case $22.99
2023 La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo
For fans of nebbiolo wines this is the type of wine you should be out on the look for. The fruit used to produce this wine is all declassified grapes sourced from La Spinetta’s Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards. The higher quality fruit makes such a big difference in the wine, your enjoyment and value for what you are paying. The wine is racy and beautifully layered with plenty of depth and structure. Aroma: Red cherry, raspberry, crushed blueberries, anise, rose petals, mint and balsamic notes. Mouth: It’s full-bodied, lively acidity, polished tannins, offering the charm and complexity of its Barolo and Barbaresco origins that can be enjoyed young. Though it definitely has the staying power to evolve gracefully over several years.
Excellent $36, Case $31
Spinetta Everyday Case 2 each of the red and white , 4 roses $263, $21.92 per bottle
Mix any twelve or more of these at their case prices
Piedmont Crus
Arrival Next week
Either mix in with twelve of the above
Or assort any six or more at their case prices
2020 La Spinetta Barolo ‘Garretti’
For fans of Giorgio Rivetti’s Barolo this wine definitely hits the mark. The wine is loaded with ripe fruit, fleshy and supple texture with a very satisfying richness La Spinetta’s Barolo is known for.
Aroma: Rich plum, candied cherry, pomegranate, sweet black currant, earth, vanilla spice and hazelnut. Mouth: Medium to full bodied, velvet texture, ripe tannins, balanced acidity, sweet oak spice, forest underbrush with a long lingering finish. Very good-Excellent $92, Case $78
2021 La Spinetta Barbaresco ‘Gallina’
The Gallina Vineyard is known for producing wines that are refined and of great elegance with qualities like intense floral aromatics, a hint of mint and other balsamic notes. Factor in 2021 is a benchmark vintage where you have a wine that is very accessible yet still has the makeup to age well in the cellar for years to come.
Aroma: Dark cherry, black currant, spice, tobacco, licorice, cocoa, fresh herbs & candied orange peel. Mouth: Medium body, firm tannins, great structure, mineral texture, weightless feel with a long savory finish.
Outstanding $187, C116.Case $159
2020 La Spinetta Barolo ‘Campe’
According to Giorgio Rivetti, the Campe cru yields the best fruit from all his Barolo vineyards. The wine is an unparalleled expression of Barolo worthy of the “King of Italian Red Wine” reputation. The wine has great complexity that is seamlessly integrated with texture for rich and powerful Barolo that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Aroma: Generous notes of blackberry, red cherries, sandalwood, leather, pomegranate, rose petal, tangerine peel and sweet basil. Mouth: Medium plus body, balanced acidity, structured tannins, layers of fruit, smoke and spice with hints of mint and basil. Ends with a full and substantive finish of pedigreed wine. Outstanding $208, case $175
Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: order@federalwine.com
Please pass this on to any friends who are wine enthusiasts!
- Len Rothenberg
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FREE DELIVERY!
downtown on orders more than $75;
in Greater Boston on orders more than $199
