The Good Juice La Spinetta’s Barberesco, Barbera’s and Blends might just be the three kings of the Piemonte hills. Hard to believe it only began 32 years ago but winemaker and proprietor Giorgio Rivetti has fashioned a wine dynasty in a short time. Meticulous attention to detail, miniscule yields and some of the best hillside vineyards in the world conspire to produce some of Italy’s most profound and sought after wines. The star grape variety of the region is without question Nebbiolo, but in fact, it only accounts for 5% of the regions total production leaving Barbera and Dolcetto to pick up the slack for everyday drinking. In the hands of a winemaker like Giorgio Rivetti and treated with the same reverence as Nebbiolo, both of these grape varieties are more than capable of making outstanding wines. La Spinetta’s wines aren’t inexpensive but they are as profound an offering as any in the wine world and deserving to be in any wine cellar. Lucky for us, La Spinetta also has few neighbours in the region that produce wines of such outstanding quality -- albeit in a slightly different style -- without the price tag. La Spinetta Barbera D’Asti Ca Di Pian 2006 A bright and fruity red, with fresh raspberry and blackberry tart aromas. Full-bodied, with lots of fruit and soft, velvety tannins. Long and delicious. Wine Spectator 90. $39.95 six pack La Spinetta Barbera D’Alba Gallina 2005 The estate’s 2005 Barbera D’Alba Gallina reveals a dark, purplish color. It is a sweet, well-delineated wine with layers of ripe dark fruit, violets, minerals, smoke, plums and asphalt. In 2005, the Gallina is a more slender, smaller-scaled wine than is normally the case. Of Rivetti’s top Barbera’s I usually prefer the Bionzo, but in 2005 it is the Gallina which offers greater complexity and harmony. Robert Parker 91. $64.95 six pack La Spinetta Pin 2005 The estate’s 2005 Pin (65% Nebbiolo, 35% Barbera) is a lovely, engaging effort with floral aromatics, a soft, expansive core of fruit and well-integrated oak. As is characteristic of the vintage, this is a smaller-scaled wine, but it is also beautifully proportioned in that context. Robert Parker 91. $64.95 six pack La Spinetta Barberesco Valeirano 2006 The 2006 Barberesco is deep red with a complex bouquet, gently spiced, white truffle and herb aroma, well structured, fine tannins, austere with plenty of fruit, smoke and earth notes. Evolution 25 to 30 years. $179.95 six pack La Spinetta Barolo Campe 2004 The 2004 Barolo Campe has put on quite a bit of weight since it was bottled. This massive, powerful Barolo flows from the glass with its signature over-ripe aromatics and masses of dark fruit, tobacco, leather and spices. The tannins build impressively on the long finish. Buckle your chinstraps, this is not a wine for the timid. Wine Advocate 93 . Slightly earthy, with mushroom and very ripe fruit. Almost pruny. Transforms to gorgeous fruit. Full-bodied, with spicy, meaty and super ripe fruit flavors. Chewy and tannic. Big and rich. Turns exotic. This is massive, with impressive structure. 95 Wine Spectator $ 199.95 six pack   The wines of Aurelio Settimo Made in a different style than the La Spinetta wines, Aurelio Settimo produces distinctive Barolo’s and Dolcetto that nod in the direction of the traditional style wines of the region. The wines take a little more cellar time to come around. Aurelio Settimo Dolcetto D’Alba 2006 Pick up the phone fast if you want any of Settimo’s fabulous Dolcetto. The wine has taken on a life of its own around the Profile office. It offers all of the aroma and distinct character of wines twice the price for the region. Aromas of ripe blackberries, liquorice, truffles and tar. Drink now and for the next five years. $22.95 Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche 2003 Cast your mind back to the news reels in 2003 and you’ll remember the heat waves that were happening in Europe. The weather produced big wines with exuberant character and lots of charm. The wines are drinking great right now and will continue for the next five to eight years.....Has plum and berry character, with a hint of strawberry. Full and silky, with a long finish. Refined. Needs some bottle age to come together, but balanced for the vintage. 90 Wine Spectator. $56.95 Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche 1999 Definitely a traditional style here. It was well worth producing a reserve in this outstanding vintage for Settimo. Aged in wood for 3 years and bottled in February 2005 this is a medium red, fruity wine, with hints of raspberry jam, good length and powerful tannins. Definitely to “be forgotten” for a long time! $99.95 When you have a moment please check out our website at www.profilewinegroup.com How to order Phone: 416-598-0033 extension 233 to speak directly with Ruben Elmer, or you can E-mail him at relmer@profilewinegroup.com All orders are COD. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or cheque. Your credit card will not be charged until the product is shipped. Minimum Orders: There is a one case minimum order (12 bottles unless otherwise noted). Delivery to a single destination within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is free of charge. Delivery outside of the GTA can be arranged. You must be 19 years of age or older to place or receive a wine order.