# Barbaresco Gallina (2012)

- **Producer:** La Spinetta
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €185
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe plum, dried cherry, black cherry, red cherry, dark fruit, cedar, chocolate, coffee, cloves, vanilla, earth, tobacco, leather, forest floor, wet leaves

## About this wine

La Spinetta Barbaresco Gallina 2012 is a single-vineyard wine from the esteemed Gallina vineyard in Neive, Piedmont. Produced by the Rivetti family, who founded La Spinetta in 1977, the estate is dedicated to showcasing the unique terroir of its single crus. The Gallina vineyard is particularly noted for its suitability for Nebbiolo, and this wine is recognized for its significant aging potential, developing intricate character over many years. The 2012 vintage provided the conditions for a wine of notable intensity, density, and freshness, contributing to its balanced and complex profile.

## Interesting facts

- Gallina vineyard is considered a top cru for Nebbiolo.
- La Spinetta's wines are known for their single-vineyard focus.
- This Barbaresco is built for long-term aging.
- The 2012 vintage offered a rare balance of power and finesse.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm tannins and full body are well-suited to rich proteins, where they can soften and integrate. The wine's complex fruit and spice notes can complement the savory depth of game and slow-cooked meats, while its acidity cuts through richness.

## Wine making process

La Spinetta Barbaresco Gallina 2012 is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Following alcoholic fermentation for 7-8 days in temperature-controlled roto-fermenters, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in oak barrels. It is then aged for 32-34 months in entirely new, medium-toast French oak barrels, followed by approximately 12 months of bottle aging before release. The vineyard is sustainably farmed, free of pesticides and herbicides.