Rivetti family completes acquisition of Contratto

The Rivetti family formally took control of Contratto in June 2011 after Giorgio Rivetti had already consulted at the winery for several years. The purchase was motivated by the family's enthusiasm for Champagne, bottle-fermented sparkling wine and Contratto's historic underground cellars.

The initial programme sought to restore the strength of the Contratto name, improve sparkling-wine quality and expand the portfolio. Contratto had been buying sparkling base wine from Oltrepò Pavese; the new owners planned to establish direct control over Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by investing in vineyards. The existing production, marketing and sales teams of Contratto and La Spinetta were brought together to return the brand to international markets.