Barbaresco Gallina 2009 (La Spinetta)

Cellar for up to 25 years. Decant for up to 2 hours before serving. In 1977, Giuseppe Rivetti acquired a plot of land on a picturesque Asti hilltop, which would become the location for one of Piedmont’s most consistently brilliant wineries. La Spinetta winery is located in the sub-region of Castagnole Lanze, a beautiful part of Piedmont, famous for its fresh white wines and bold, booming reds. From their initial success with the Moscato grape, La Spinetta expanded into other varietals. During the 1990s, they purchased vineyards in the famous red wine regions of Barbera and Barbaresco. Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this Barbaresco is a Riserva wine, exclusively made from top-quality grapes, and aged for at least 10 years before being released. It exhibits a warm and inviting nose, with classic notes of red berries, violet and cassis. The fruits for Gallina were grown in sandy soils, at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level. It’s a deep magenta colour, full-bodied, yet soft and attractive. On the palate it contains a hint of sweetness, bringing jammy notes of strawberry and raspberry, tree sap and spicy flavours of liquorice and star anise. The finish is long and fruity, with a floral twist. This is the perfect companion for a hearty mushroom risotto or white meat and is best when served just below room temperature, at 16/17° C.