The Rivetti family story begins in the 1890s, when Giovanni Rivetti, left Piedmont for Argentina. Like many Italians then, he dreamed of returning rich man, perhaps even one day able to make a great wine in his homeland. He never did, though his son, Giuseppe “Pin” did. Pin married Lidia, bought vineyards and began to make wine. In 1977 the family took up residence at La Spinetta (top of the hill) in Castagnole Lanze. It was the heart of the Moscato d’Asti country, a rather light and simple dessert wine. But the Rivettis believed that Moscato had the potential for greatness and set out to prove it by making Moscato Bricco Quaglia and Biancospino.

Eventually, though the family’s vision was even grander. In 1985 La Spinetta made its first red wine, Barbera Cà di Pian. After this many great reds followed: In 1989 the Rivettis dedicated their red blend Pin to their father. From 1995 to 1998 they started to make their first Barbaresco Gallina, Barbarescos Starderi, Barbera d'Alba Gallina, Barbaresco Valeirano, and the Barbera d'Asti Superiore. In 2000 the family began making a Barolo and built a state of the art cellar, Barolo Campè.

The Barbaresco Vursu Valeirano of La Spinetta is produced with Nebbiolo grapes cultivated in the Valeirano cru in Treiso district. 

This wine has an intense ruby red color and a fruited bouquet with currant and red fruit scents, in addition to lightly spiced background.

The taste is structured and austere, with important tannins and a persistent final.

Valeirano displays surprising minerality, supported with phenomenal structure. Hints of tea leaf and balsamic notes on the nose and palate recur.

The finish is intense, while tannins are noble.