Robert parker, Jr.-the Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The 2008 Monferrato Rosso Pin is fabulous. Sweet black cherries, plums, flowers, tobacco and incense are some of the notes that flow from this extroverted, exotic red. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the long finish, underpinned by clean, mineral notes that give the wine its energy and focus. This is a great showing from Giorgio Rivetti’s first important red wine. Pin is 65% Barbera (from Bionzo) and 35% Nebbiolo (from Starderi). Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.

This is a superb set of wines from Giorgio Rivetti. The 2008 Barbareschi are among the strongest wines of the year. The La Spinetta style focusing on wines of great textural richness remains intact, but is dialed in to a greater degree with each passing vintage." Oct 2011

Winery:  "Thie 2008 is dark red, with a juicy, luscious and complex core of raspberry, boysenberry and mulled currant fruit. A solid acidity with flavors of ripe dark fruit, completed by Nebbiolo length and elegance."

Wired For Wine:  For Cyber Monday we bring you this stupendous La Spinetta Pin Monferrato Rosso all the way from Piedmont... Mr. Galloni from The Wine Advocate uses words like "fabulous and superb"when describing it, and believes that this wine is best cellared for a little longer. We won't tell if you can't wait. When you do open this gorgeous Italian, we say luxuriate in your first glass with bite-sized pieces of homemade pepperoni pizza. The exquisite layers of intense, ripe dark fruit, lovely acidity and clean minerality make this Monferrato perfect for grilled and roasted meats, tomato sauces, potent cheeses and a whole lot more (think meaty holiday fare).  Our suggestion to go with the earthy tobacco and incense side of this Rosso is standing rib roast with spinach-porcini stuffing, gravy and horseradish cream.  Because we think all the red sauces in Italian food are made for this Piedmont red, we suggest chicken cacciatore to go with this amazing La Spinetta. Sweet and tangy barbecued spareribs will echo the succulent fruit and acidity in this Pin Monferrato beautifully.  Sia ancora il mio cuore battentesi… Your diners will not leave until another bottle is shared, so top off their glasses and serve a top shelf Pecorino cheese. It has just the right bite for this masterfully crafted Italian red. La vita è breve; bevanda su winelovers!

Size:  750ml; cork
Varietal:  65% Barbera and 35% Nebbiolo
Alcohol:  14.0%
Aging: 16-18 months in new, medium toasted French oak; then stainless steel vats for 2 months before bottling. The wine is cellared, in bottles, for another 3 months before release. 
Region:  Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy
Limited Production:  3,500 dozen