Giorgio Rivetti. (Click on an image a larger view.)
Co-sponsored by Devin and Kathryn Vollmer of The Spirit Shoppe in South Egremont, MA, in the Berkshires.
Devin and Kathryn did an exceptional job in setting up this dinner with Giorgio Rivetti.
Kathryn Vollmer. (Click on an image a larger view.)
The food was excellent and well-matched to the wines. Chef/owner Dan Smith of
John Andrew’s did a terrific job on the menu.
Giorgio Rivetti (Click on an image a larger view.)
Giorgio Rivetti is a delightful, charming man. He is passionate about many things, especially wine.
It was a joy to be able to sit next to him during this dinner. Here are a few things he told us during the tasting:
- All their vineyards are farmed organically.
- 90% of quality is made in the vineyard. His father "Pin" was fond of saying
"Treat the vines like you treat your good friends!"
- "Don't manipulate the wine in the winery."
- "I'm a farmer, not a winemaker."
- He is 53. He has a 30 year old son and a 2 year old daughter, and his wife is pregnant!
- He doesn't like fusion cuisine. He calls it "confusion cuisine".
- My favorite quote from Giorgio, "I love Burgundy but sometimes (excuse me ladies) I miss the balls
of Nebbiolo."
Giorgio Rivetti (Click on an image a larger view.)
Flight 1
Served standing with delicious passed hors d'oeuvres.
Flight 2
Served with Purple Barley Orzotti, Spinach, Mushrooms, Parmesan.
(Click on an image a larger view.)
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2007 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Langhe Nebbiolo Starderi
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC
Made at the Campe winery from 10-year-old vines in the Starderi vineyard.
Elegant nose almost drowned in vanilla. Backward in the mouth, but shows nicely with food.
Waxy on the finish. (89 pts.)
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2005 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Monferrato Pin
Italy, Piedmont, Monferrato
Oak and red fruit. I've never liked blends of Nebbiolo and Barbera.
Just because they grow well in the same place, doesn't mean you should blend them.
(88 pts.)
Flight 3
Served with delicious Marinated Beets, Warm Rawson Brook Chevre, Balsamic Raisins,
Marcona Almonds, though the balsamic raisins were too much for the wine.
(Click on an image a larger view.)
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2005 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Il Colorino di Casanova Toscana IGT
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
The revelation of the evening for me.
I had never heard of anyone making a wine from this Tuscan blending grape.
Unusual earth and licorice nose. Exotic flavors with really good structure. Lots of dark chocolate.
Should age very well. A steal at $25! Only 20% new oak used on this wine.
(93 pts.)
Flight 4
Served with exquisite Red Wine Braised Beef Ribs, Parsnip Puree, Oyster Mushroom Conserve.
(Click on an image a larger view.)
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2004 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbaresco Vürsù Vigneto Valeirano
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco
Huge nose of bright red fruit and massive new oak.
Lots of rich fruit and body. Elegance and class peaks in, but then is overwhelmed by new oak.
If it can really absorb all this oak, then it could rate a score of 93-95, but I'm not betting on it.
I asked Giorgio why he needed to use so much oak. He said "I only taste fruit and flowers,
no oak." (88 pts.)
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2006 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco
Very appealing nose of white truffles and red fruit.
Elegant, expansive, wonderful! Hints of mint and licorice. Giorgio says this gets 100% new oak too,
but the oak doesn't seem nearly as obtrusive here.
Giorgio told a great story about this wine.
Mr. Bordini owned this vineyard and sold his grapes. Giorgio's father was friends with Mr. Bordini and
often asked if he could buy the vineyard. A few years ago, Mr. Bordini turned 90 and came to Giorgio
offering to sell the vineyard at a good price if they would put his name on the label.
Now, as Giorgio travels around the world, he frequently gets phone calls from Mr. Bordini asking
"Where are you? Do the people there like my wine?" Well, I for one, like it quite a bit!
(93 pts.)
Flight 5
Served with Chocolate-Almond Torte, Citrus, Vanilla Bean Gelato.
(Click on an image a larger view.)
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2009 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Moscato d'Asti Vigneto Biancospino
Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Moscato d'Asti
From half bottle.
Always one of my favorite Moscato d'Astis, this one is delicious.
Gorgeous nose of grapefruit and lemon sorbet. Both full and delicate in the mouth.
I could drink a whole bottle! (92 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
I loved meeting Giorgio and I think they have excellent vineyards,
but I hope someday they will dial back the oak.
Me and Giorgio. (Click on an image a larger view.)
(Click on an image a larger view.)
(Click on an image a larger view.)
All original content © Ken Vastola