Cascina Preziosa Ilmore Vespolina, Coste della Sesia

Something a little different; this is 100% Vespolina… probably not a variety that many of us have much experience of but it’s held in quite high regard up here.

We did a bit of background research and several sources suggest it is related to Nebbiolo but then we’ve also read that it’s related to Freisa or possibly Nerreto di Bairo too (we almost heard your pulse rate surge there!). Whatever. When you taste, the Nebbiolo relationship makes sense albeit a little darker in colour, a bit more lifted and perfumed on the nose, and on the palate, possibly best described as having almost all of the same flavour characteristics but arranged in a different way to make a different shape. Its pointier and quite focussed in style… ‘feels perhaps more intense but a little less broad. The finish is outstanding and just lingers for a beat.