Red Wine La Spinetta Barolo Garretti 2016. Decant 1 hour before serving. La Spinetta winery was founded in 1977 by Giuseppe Rivetti, or Pin” as his family call him, in Castagnole Lanze which at the time was best known for its sweet and simple Moscato d’Asti wines. Over the past few decades the Rivetti family have proven that the region is also capable of making serious wines from other local grape varieties like Nebbiolo and Barbera. In 2000 the family purchased top quality land in Grinzane Cavour in the Barolo appellation where they built their Barolo Campe winery. This Barolo is crafted from the younger vines on that estate which still have an impressive average age of 30 years.
2016
Red Wine La Spinetta Barolo Garretti 2016
Red Wine Lo Zoccolaio Pinot Nero Re Noir 2016. Cascina Lo Zoccolaio in the Langhe is best known for its hearty, powerful Barolo wines, but the boutique winery also produces vibrant modern wines like this Pinot Nero. Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in Novello and Barolo with harvesting done by hand to ensure quality. Wherever possible they seek to work in harmony with nature, rejecting the use of herbicides and planting herbs between the rows of vines to boost biodiversity. The grapes are treated with a light touch in the winery to preserve the natural varietal character, with fermentation on the skins in temperature-controlled tanks. The young wine then matures in French oak barrels for 18 months followed by 6 months of ageing in the bottle. This creates a light, beautifully-perfumed Pinot Nero which is bursting with hints of red cherry, plum, redcurrant and delicate toasted oak and spices from the barrel maturation. On the palate there’s a bright streak of acidity balancing the ripe fruit flavours and a pure, clean finish which makes it a great partner for food. Try pairing this exuberant Pinot with duck, roast lamb, charcuterie or more hearty dishes like pappardelle served with a rich tomato-based ragu sauce.
2016
Red Wine Luce della Vite Brunello di Montalcino 2016. Decant 2 hours before serving. Set in the heart of the Val d’Orcia natural park which was recognised in 2004 as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, Tenuta Luce is known for its exceptional Super Tuscan and Brunello wines. In total the property has 249 hectares of woodland, olive groves and vineyards, creating a rich biodiversity and ideal conditions for sustainable premium winemaking. Founded following the meeting of two of the world’s great winemakers, Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi, in the 1990s, the estate’s philosophy focuses on minimal human intervention both in the vineyard and the winery. Their signature Brunello pays homage to Montalcino’s rich winemaking traditions with a lengthy 36 month maturation period in oak barriques. In the glass there’s the typical deep ruby red hue that’s characteristic of Sangiovese-based wines along with evocative hints of bright red cherry, plums, leather and smoked meat. The first sip reveals firm tannins, a medium body, and an intense core of fruit balanced by a subtle streak of acidity. Combining elegance and power in equal measure, this is a great wine to keep in the cellar for a decade or two or to enjoy now with roast venison, wild boar, or hearty beef dishes.
2016