La Spinetta Barolo Campe 2021

Region and Vineyards

Barolo Campè is rooted in the Piedmont hills of north-west Italy, within the Barolo DOCG, the historical stronghold of Nebbiolo. The Campè vineyard lies in the commune of Grinzane Cavour, in the upper and central part of the Garretti cru, at around 280 m above sea level with full south-facing exposure. Here, old Nebbiolo vines are planted on alluvial soils with a calcareous clay mantle, a classic Barolo combination that delivers both structure and perfume.

Today the site is farmed organically, with vines around 70 years old and yields drastically reduced by green harvesting, leaving roughly a quarter of the potential crop on the vine. Horse ploughing and the prohibition of synthetic chemicals further emphasise a low-intervention philosophy. The result is extremely concentrated fruit with thick skins, firm tannins and intense flavour, giving Barolo Campè its trademark mix of richness, depth and ageworthy backbone, while still capturing the florality and finesse that define great Nebbiolo from this part of Barolo.

Winemaking

La Spinetta Barolo Campè 2021 is 100% Nebbiolo, harvested by hand from the single vineyard and vinified with a focus on extracting depth without losing aromatic purity. Maceration and alcoholic fermentation take place in temperature-controlled vats for an average of 15 days, allowing steady extraction of colour and tannin while preserving the variety's floral and red-fruited character. Malolactic fermentation is then carried out in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new and the remainder second fill, integrating oak components early in the wine's life.

The wine matures for 24 months in French oak, followed by about 12 months of bottle ageing before release. Official technical data indicate 14.5% alcohol and total acidity around 5.3 g/L, with very low residual sugar, emphasising a dry, firmly structured style. The estate and specialist retailers also note that Campè is bottled without filtration, helping to retain texture and aromatic complexity. Together, long élevage, careful oak handling and old-vine fruit yield a Barolo that is dense, polished and built for long-term ageing.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale yet vibrant ruby to garnet, deepening toward the core, with lively reflections that hint at concentration despite Nebbiolo's naturally transparent hue.
• Aroma: Lifted notes of pomegranate, rose and violet mingle with sweet tobacco, black berries, plum, menthol and liquorice, over nuances of underbrush, truffle, mocha and subtle sweet oak.
• Palate: Complex and enveloping, with dark cherry and wild-berry fruit wrapped in black pepper, cocoa, leather and mineral tones. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and powerful, the tannins silky yet firm and tightly knit, driving a broad, persistent finish that promises excellent cellaring potential.

Did you know?

The designation "Vürsù" that appears on the label of Campè is a Piedmontese term La Spinetta uses to express longing, passion and the almost insatiable desire to realise a dream. It reflects the ambition that drove Giorgio Rivetti in 2000 to acquire the first hectares in Grinzane Cavour and create his own Barolo. At Campè he banned chemicals, slashed yields by about 75% and returned to horse ploughing, transforming what had been a source of anonymous bulk wine into one of Barolo's most distinctive single vineyards.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised beef short ribs with Barolo jus: The wine's powerful tannins and deep black-cherry, leather and spice profile stand up to slow-cooked, gelatin-rich meat, while its acidity cuts through the sauce's richness.
• Porcini mushroom and truffle risotto: Nebbiolo's signature notes of underbrush, earth and dried rose resonate with porcini and truffle, and the wine's structure provides a firm, savoury counterpoint to the risotto's creamy texture.
• Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic: The combination of sweet, succulent lamb, aromatic herbs and a touch of char plays beautifully with Campè's dark fruit, herbal nuances and firm yet refined tannic frame.
• Aged Parmigiano Reggiano or mature hard cheeses: The crystalline texture and umami intensity of long-aged cheeses match the wine's concentration and savoury depth, while its acidity refreshes the palate between bites.

History of La Spinetta Estate

La Spinetta was founded in 1977 by Giuseppe (Pin) Rivetti in Castagnole delle Lanze, Piedmont. Initially focusing on Moscato d'Asti, the estate rapidly expanded its horizons. In 1989, the Rivetti family introduced their first red wine, Barbera Cà di Pian, followed by a Barbaresco in 1995, which significantly boosted their reputation.

Today, the estate is managed by Giuseppe's sons, Giorgio, Bruno, and Carlo Rivetti, who continue to innovate while respecting traditional winemaking practices. The Rivetti family's dedication to quality and their pioneering spirit have established La Spinetta as a symbol of excellence in the wine world.

Region and Vineyards

La Spinetta's vineyards are primarily located in Piedmont, a region celebrated for its noble grape varieties and prestigious wines. The estate boasts over 165 hectares of vineyards spread across different appellations. The vineyards in Castagnole delle Lanze are particularly noted for their Barbera and Moscato wines, while the vineyards in Neive, Barbaresco, and Grinzane Cavour are famed for their Nebbiolo grapes, the cornerstone of their celebrated Barbaresco and Barolo wines.

The estate's vineyards benefit from a unique terroir characterized by limestone and clay soils, providing an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality grapes. The meticulous vineyard management practices, including sustainable farming and low yields, ensure that the grapes reach optimal ripeness and express the distinct characteristics of their terroir.

Wine Range

La Spinetta produces a diverse range of wines, including Barbaresco, Barolo, Barbera, and Moscato d'Asti. Their Barbaresco and Barolo wines are highly acclaimed for their complexity, elegance, and aging potential. The Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti wines showcase rich fruit flavors and vibrant acidity. Additionally, La Spinetta's Moscato d'Asti is celebrated for its aromatic intensity and refreshing sweetness.

The estate also produces several single-vineyard wines, such as Barbaresco Gallina, Starderi, and Valeirano, which are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. Each wine in their portfolio is a testament to the Rivetti family's commitment to quality and their deep connection to the Piedmont terroir.

Did you know?

La Spinetta's logo, featuring a rhinoceros, is inspired by an artwork by the famous German painter Albrecht Dürer. This distinctive logo symbolizes the estate's strength, resilience, and commitment to quality.