# La Spia Bianco (2023)

- **Producer:** La Spia di Rigamonti Michele azienda Agricola
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Lombardia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €24
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grape, vanilla, cloves, pastry, bread, biscuit

## About this wine

La Spia Bianco is a distinctive white wine from the Valtellina region of Lombardy, Italy, produced by La Spia di Rigamonti Michele azienda Agricola. The 2023 vintage is notable for its 100% Nebbiolo grape composition, locally known as Chiavennasca, a variety typically used for red wines. The winemaking process involves immediate separation of the light-colored pulp from the skins after whole cluster pressing to obtain a clear must. The Rigamonti family has owned the estate, named after a strategic rocky hill, since 1962. The Valtellina region, characterized by its steep, terraced vineyards and significant diurnal temperature variations, provides a unique alpine terroir for this wine.

## Interesting facts

- Made from Nebbiolo, a grape usually for red wine.
- Name 'La Spia' means 'spy' in Italian.
- Grapes sourced from prime Valtellina vineyard sites.
- A unique white wine from a renowned red wine region.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and balanced acidity can stand up to richer dishes, while its subtle complexity complements delicate proteins and earthy flavors. The aging in oak and acacia wood adds a layer of texture that pairs well with creamy sauces and butter-based preparations.

## Wine making process

La Spia Bianco is produced using whole cluster pressing, followed by immediate separation of the light-colored pulp from the skins to obtain a clear must. Fermentation takes place on this must. The wine is then aged for six months on its lees in a combination of acacia wood and 225-liter French oak barrels. The grapes are sourced from vineyard sites within the Valtellina region.