La Spinetta Vermentino 2025

Grape: Vermentino 

Region: Tuscany, Italy 

Farming: Organic

The addition of the contemporary Casanova Estate to the La Spinetta family came about as the result of a challenge between Giorgio Rivetti and a Tuscan colleague. Giorgio, convinced of the indisputable value of indigenous grape varieties, often found himself criticizing his Tuscan winemaking counterparts, not being able to comprehend why producers were replacing beautiful, historic Sangiovese vineyards with young international varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, in the name of appealing to a global taste market. One of these producers challenged Giorgio to action, and hence the search for old Sangiovese vineyards began. The first Cru vineyard, 100% old vine Sangiovese, was acquired near Casciana Terme (Pisa) in 2001. In that first vintage, grapes were harvested and transported in refrigerated trucks from Tuscany to the Castagnole Lanze winery in Piedmont, for the production of the first 10,000 bottles of Sezzana 2001. The wine was a success, proving that La Spinetta had indeed met the challenge. In the meanwhile, another family friend in Tuscany had continued the search for additional Sangiovese vineyards and so, in 2002, the Rivetti’s purchased the 4-hectare Sassontino Cru vineyard and the surrounding 50 hectares of land, yet to be planted and full of potential. Construction of the third winery, Casanova, between Pisa and Volterra, began in 2004 and is now the production site of the prestigious Sezzana and Sassontina Riservas (old vine Sangiovese wines released only after 10 years in the cellar) and a line-up of distinctive wines crafted from the indigenous Tuscan varieties

Sangiovese, Colorino and Vermentino.

Food Pairing: Given its fuller style and herbaceous flavors, Vermentino does wonders with grilled light meats and fish and dishes that highlight green and herbal flavors.