La Spinetta & Contratto: Piedmont & Tuscany in the Glass

Meet Elisa Musso
As Export Manager, Elisa Musso travels from Piedmont to present these wines in person. This is a rare chance to ask questions, hear about the vineyards and vintages first-hand, and taste with the person who knows the wines best.

About the Producers
La Spinetta, founded by the Rivetti family in Castagnole delle Lanze in Piedmont, is celebrated for Barbera, Moscato, Nebbiolo and Barolo, and for its Tuscan estate, Casanova della Spinetta. Contratto, established in 1867 in Canelli, is one of Italy’s oldest sparkling wine houses, crafting elegant traditional-method sparklers in the heart of Piedmont. Taste the range with Elisa Musso, who will share the stories behind each bottle.

The Wines:

Contratto Traditional Method Alta Langa Millesimato 2022 Brut Pas Dosé DOCG    $33.99
92 Points, Vinous: Opens with an airy freshness, with white smoke giving way to ginger and sliced nectarines. Sharply focused, with zesty acidity and crisp bubbles set against ripe orchard fruit and citrus. The finish is long and clean, leaving a lingering twang of lime.

2024 La Spinetta Colli Tortonesi DOC Timorasso    $25.99
93 Points, James Suckling: A layered white with a floral edge and vibrant orange peel and orange blossom aromas, polished and slightly mineral. Sharp and silky on the palate with floral, saline flavors; cleansing yet precise.
92 Points, Vinous: Very pretty and elegant, with lemon confit, white flowers, almond and light tropical notes woven together, and a floral, saline lift on the finish.

2024 La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo DOC    $33.99
90 Points, Vinous: Floral and savory notes lead, followed by dried herbs, menthol, licorice, plum and graphite. Classy and refined with plenty of depth, and called a stellar wine, especially in the context of the vintage.

 2021 Casanova della Spinetta Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG    $28.99
From La Spinetta’s Tuscan estate, this 100% Sangiovese Riserva offers ripe blackberry, thyme and cocoa, with fresh acidity, a mineral note, firm tannins and a long, soft finish. A natural match for grilled steak, braised meats and hearty tomato-based dishes.

La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG Bionzo    $52.99
92 Points, Vinous (2021 vintage): Redolent of blackberry, gravel, incense, licorice, graphite and dark spice. A brooding, serious Barbera from old vines in Costigliole d’Asti, with the grape’s signature vivid acidity.