2024 La Spinetta - Langhe Nebbiolo DOC (750ml)

A taste of top Barbaresco terroir at an everyday price. Giorgio Rivetti and family put La Spinetta on the map with their single-vineyard Barbarescos (look for the Albrecht Dürer rhinoceros on the label), and this Langhe Nebbiolo comes mostly from younger vines in Starderi, one of their flagship crus in Neive, plus a few other select parcels. The soils are blue-tinted calcareous marl and clay, and the estate is certified organic.

Fermented in rotofermenters, then put through malolactic and aged about a year in used French barriques, the 2024 is bright and aromatic, with violets, ripe cherry and plum, dried herbs, licorice and a streak of graphite. Medium-bodied and elegant, with fine tannins, lively acidity and a long, spicy finish. Pair with tajarin with butter and sage, mushroom risotto, roast pork or a charcuterie board.