Winery Info/Brand
In 1977, the Rivetti family took up residence at LA SPINETTA (meaning "top of the hill") in Castagnole Lanze. Located in the heart of the area well-known for Moscato d'Asti, a rather light and simple dessert wine at the time, the Rivetti family believed that Moscato had the potential for greatness and set out to prove it by producing the region's first single-vineyard Moscato wine, Bricco Quaglia and Biancospino. Over time, the family's vision became even grander, and in 1985 LA SPINETTA made its first red wine, Barbera Cà di Pian, with many great reds to follow. In 1989, the Rivetti brothers named their red blend (Nebbiolo/Barbera) "Pin" in honor of their father. The first Barbaresco, Gallina, was produced in 1995 followed by Barbarescos Starderi, Barbera d'Alba Gallina in 1996 and Barbaresco Valeirano in 1997. Barbera d'Asti Superiore entered the lineup in 1998.
Region Info/Origin
The name Piedmont comes from medieval Latin Pedemontium or Pedemontis, meaning "at the foot of the mountains". Surrounded on three sides by the Alps, including Monviso, where the Po rises, and Monte Rosa, the geography of Piedmont is also broadly coincident with the upper part of the drainage basin of the river Po, which rises from the slopes of Monviso in the west of the region and is Italy's largest river. Piedmont benefits from the excellent viticulture and receives good temperate climate suitable for growing quality white grape varietals.