Barbaresco, Valeirano--Vintage 1997

Offered duty paid, but available in bond. VAT at 1… Read more

A SUPERB SELECTION OF FANTASTIC WINES FROM PROGRESSIVE PRODUCER LA SPINETTA La Spinetta, which means 'top of the hill' in reference to the location of their first cellar in Castagnole Lanze, was founded in 1977 by Giuseppe (nicknamed Pin) and Lidia Rivetti. The Rivetti sons (brothers Bruno, Carlo and Giorgio) now own 100 of the estate and have further propelled La Spinetta into world class fame for their superb wines from both Piedmont and Tuscany. The Rivetti brothers have been at the forefront of the modernisation of Italian winemaking, putting an emphasis on viticulture and obtaining the best possible grapes. Their vineyards are 75 bio dynamic, with minimal use of chemical products, pesticides or fertilizers. Yields are kept low by green harvesting throughout the growing season, to maintain yields between 17 and 20 hectolitres per hectare. They advocate using the traditional grape varieties that are indigenous to the area, which means using the Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Moscato gapes in Piedmont (100 hectares) and Sangiovese in their Tuscan Estate (65 hectares). La Spinetta own three estates; Castagnole Lanze and Grinzane Cavour, which are in Piedmont, and Casanova which is in Terricciola, Tuscany. The head winemaker is Giorgio Rivetti assisted by Andrea Rivetti, Stefano Mazzetta, Mirko Bessi and Alessio Farnesi. New techniques such as the aid of rotary fermenters and new oak have been a feature of the winery. Production is relatively low with only approximately 450,000 bottles produced annually. In 1985 La Spinetta made its first red wine, Barbera Cà di Pian. In 1989 the Rivettis created a red blend, Pin which was dedicated to their father Giuseppe. In 1995 they made their first Barbaresco, Gallina with the characteristic Rhino on the label. This was followed by Barbarescos Starderi, Barbera d'Alba Gallina and Barbaresco Valeirano in 1996 and 1997. In 2000 the Rivetti's produced their first Barolo. In 2001 La Spinetta expanded over the borders of Piedmont and acquired 65 hectares of vineyards in Tuscany, between Pisa and Volterra to make three different Sangiovese wines. The most highly sought after wines produced by La Spinetta include; Barbaresco Starderi , Barbaresco Valeirano , and Barbaresco Gallina, Barbera d'Asti Superiore Bionzo, Barbera d'alba Gallina , Barbera Cà di Pian and their blend, Monferrato Rosso Pin (65 Nebbiolo, 35 Barbera).. Other wines include: Moscato Biancospino, Moscato Bricco Quaglia, Sauvignon Langhe Bianco, Chardonnay Lidia, Barolo Campè, Langhe Nebbiolo, Sangiovese Sezzana, Sangiovese Il Nero di Casanova, Passito Oro. The explanation for the Rhino on the label of Rivetti's most famous Barbaresco wines is that Giorgio Rivetti was a huge fan of a drawing and woodcut by the German artist Albrecht Durer and adopted the drawing on the label. This drawing was made after the first ever Rhino was brought to Lisbon in 1515, a gift from the governor of Portuguese India to the king of Portugal.

11 bottles per lot

Details

Lying in Twickenham, Middlesex (EHD)

Offered duty-paid, but available in bond except lot 122
Barbaresco, Valeirano--Vintage 1997
Piedmont. La Spinetta, Giorgio Rivetti
Tasting Note: Sensational, but structured is the 1997 Barbaresco-La Spinetta Valeirano. This wine exhibits liquorice, glycerin and berry fruit along with exotic spices, leather, smoke, and herbs. Spicy and full-bodied, with obvious tannin, structure, and muscle, it requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15-20. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate 135 (June 2001).
11 bottles per lot

Special notice

Offered duty paid, but available in bond. VAT at 17.5% will be charged on the hammer price on removal of the lot from bond.

More from Fine and Rare Wines, With a Focus on Italy

View All