La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo 2018

Drink now through to 2030. No need to decant before serving.

When Giuseppe Rivetti founded La Spinetta in Castagnole Lanze in the heart of the Moscato d’Asti region in 1977, the local area was primarily known for its sweet and simple dessert wines. The visionary Giuseppe was quick to recognise the potential of the land for producing top quality wines and began by creating a selection of excellent white wines. In the 1980s the Rivettis also began experimenting with red wines and later acquired land in other appellations including Barolo and parts of Tuscany.

This benchmark Langhe Nebbiolo is crafted with fruit from the family’s three Barbaresco vineyards in Neive. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified in temperature-controlled vats. The young wine is then transferred to used French oak barrels for 12 months followed by another 6 months of bottle ageing.

Fresh red berries, dried herbs and mint characterise the nose while on the palate there are intense notes of plums, red cherry and tobacco leaf. The first sip reveals a medium body, well-developed structure and Nebbiolo’s classic firm tannins which will soften with additional cellar ageing. The rich fruit character and robust structure make this a great match for roasted and barbecued red meats, stews, and rich pasta dishes.