The colour is dark ruby. On the nose grapes, cherries, raspberries and a gentle herbal touch. In the mouth a good balance between fine tannins and a refreshing acidity, with a drying finish. The aftertaste is medium long.
This red wine has been made with Vespolina grapes under the Colline Novaresi DOC.
Vespolina is an indigenous variety from northern Piedmont, cultivated mainly in the provinces of Novara and Vercelli. Once used almost exclusively as a blending partner to Nebbiolo, it has recently gained recognition as a varietal in its own right. The grape is relatively vigorous, prefers well-drained hillside soils, and ripens earlier than Nebbiolo, making it a useful complement in the vineyard. Though production is limited, Vespolina is valued for its historical roots, adaptability, and its role in preserving the biodiversity of Piedmontese viticulture.
I picked up this bottle during a visit to Torraccia del Piantavigna at the end of July. Nestled in the hills of Alto Piemonte, at the foot of Monte Rosa, the winery traces its roots back to Pierino Piantavigna’s vineyards of the 1950s, though it was officially founded only in 1997 as the winemaking arm of the Francoli distillery.
The visit cost me 25 EUR: a rip-off. For bottle I paid 13.20 EUR: a good value.
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Grapes: Vespolina
Type: Red
Vintage: 2023
Producer: Torraccia del Piantavigna
Price range: Economic (<15 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5