La Spinetta Bionzo Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service.

Founded in 1977, the La Spinetta winery is located in the province of Asti, Piedmont. Owned by the Rivetti family, the estate began by producing Moscato d'Asti and subsequently expanded over the years to make highly elegant red wines, including Barbera, Barbaresco, and Barolo.

The Barbera grapes come from the 5-hectare Bionzo vineyard in Costigliole d'Asti, situated at an altitude of approximately 250 meters above sea level. Here, the vines, around 60 years old, benefit from a southern exposure and root themselves in calcareous clay-marl soil. Following the harvest and fermentation in temperature-controlled steel tanks, the finished wine ages for 12 months in French oak (20% new) and for a further 6 months in the bottle.

The result is an expressive wine full of character, revealing an intense garnet hue in the glass. Its aromatic profile is powerful and ripe, featuring notes of blueberry, plum, and blackberry interspersed with hints of violet and sweet spices. On the palate, it is well-structured, dense, and round. It offers good flavor complexity and well-balanced acidity. The tannins are fine and polished, leading to a long, fruity finish with gentle balsamic undertones. Try it with grilled lamb chops, a mixed charcuterie and cheese board, or eggplant parmigiana.