La Spinona is the estate of the Berutti family, growers in Barbaresco for five generations and today run by Pietropaolo Berutti with his father Gualtiero. Alongside their home Barbarescos, the family makes Barolo from the Bergera property at Novello, on the border with the communes of Barolo and Monforte d'Alba.
The wine comes from Nebbiolo grown on a south-facing sorì, the sunniest side of the hill. Vinification is classic, in stainless steel with maceration on the skins, and the wine then ages in large Slavonian oak casks followed by time in bottle before release: a traditional style, with no barriques, that lets the grape speak.
2016 is one of the great classic Langhe vintages, balanced and long-lived. In the glass, red fruit, rose, liquorice and spice, with dense yet elegant tannins. Open it unhurriedly, perhaps after a little air, with braised meats, game, roasts and aged cheeses.
At a glance: Nebbiolo 100% · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · La Spinona, Novello (Barolo)
