At a glance

Producer

La Spinetta

Region

Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$120-$150

Tasting profile

Aromatic bouquet of roses, tar, red cherry, and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and balanced acidity.

Evolution: Over next 5-10 years will develop greater complexity with notes of leather, truffle, and forest floor emerging.

At peak: At peak, elegant, silky tannins with layered aromas of red fruits, spice, and minerality.

Structure

Acidity

High acidity providing good freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Firm and grippy, typical of Nebbiolo

Alcohol

13.5%-14.0%

Aging potential

25-35+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2040

Optimal window

2020 to 2038

Current status

Approaching early maturity, gaining complexity

Current condition

Shows well with good tannic structure, developing tertiary notes

2010 was an excellent vintage in Barbaresco with ideal ripening conditions. The combination of top vineyard site (Gallina) and producer expertise in La Spinetta results in wines with strong tannic backbone and high acidity that will gracefully mature over decades. The drinking window reflects these factors with a long aging trajectory typical of premium Barbaresco Nebbiolo.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with rich northern Italian cuisine such as braised beef, wild mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, aged cheeses, and game meats.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic expression to open up.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Water conservation through drip irrigation, solar energy usage in winery, natural cover crops in vineyards to improve soil health, and limited bottling weights for reducing packaging footprint

La Spinetta embraces eco-conscious farming methods with a focus on soil health and biodiversity. Their energy use incorporates renewable sources, and water usage is carefully managed to reduce environmental impact. Packaging is carefully designed to balance quality and weight, lowering carbon emissions during transport. While not fully biodynamic certified, their practices align closely with sustainable viticulture principles, warranting a high sustainability score.