Vespolina (Italy)
Vespolina is a red indigenous grape of Piemonte, Italy.
DNA tests show that Vespolina and Nebbiolo grapes are relatives.
Typical Flavors
 Strawberry |
 Cherry |
 Currant |
 Cranberry |
 Roses |
 Violets |
 Spices |
 Pepper |
Vespolina is a Fruity and Peppery red wine.
With flavors of Red Berries, Red Cherry, Cranberry, Rose Petal, and Violets.
Spices. Rosemary. White / Black Pepper. Balsamic Notes.
Profile
Vespolina wines are known to be high in fruit, acidity, tannins, and alcohol:
| BODY | Medium | ||
| TANNINS | Medium - High | ||
| FRUIT | Medium - High | ||
| ACIDITY | Medium - High | ||
| |||
Food Pairing
 Pasta |
 Ham |
 Sausages |
 Rabbit |
 Lamb |
 Veal |
 Deer |
 Beef |
Vespolina pairs best with Rich Food.
Pairing Suggestions
Excellent Pairing:
Cold Cuts. Ham.
Rich Pasta. Rich Risotto.
Stewed Meat. Rabbit.
Roasted Veal. Lamb Chops.
Beef. Game (Deer. Venison)
Cheese:
Blue Cheeses. Creamy Gorgonzola. Fondue.
Piemonte Specialities:
Cotechino Sausage.
Bagna Cauda (Dipping Sauce).
Bolliti Misti (Mixed Boiled Meat).
Paniscia (Creamy Risotto with Sausage and Beans).
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The Ideal Glass
The Bordeaux glass is perfect for a bodied red wine.
It is taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl.
The large size of the glass allows the bouquet to develop. It smooths out rough edges, plays down tannins, and allows the wines to achieve balance.
The slimmer bowl sends the wine directly to the back of the mouth for maximum taste.
About Vespolina
Vespolina is often used in blends together with Nebbiolo, Croatina and Uva Rara.
Monovarietal Vespolina is becoming popular and it reminds of Pinot Noir with extra fruit and pepper.
The chemical composition of Vespolina shows an aromatic molecule called Rotundone, responsible for its peppery aroma which is also typical of Syrah/Shiraz wines.
Piemonte (Piedmont)
Piemonte has been an important wine province since Roman times. The area is influenced both culturally and climatically by the Alps in the north, and the Ligurian coast in the south.
Red Wines:
Barbaresco
Barbera
Barbera Superiore
Barolo
Brachetto
Dolcetto
Nebbiolo
Nizza
Gattinara
Ruchè
Terre Alfieri
Vespolina
White Wines:
Arneis
Cortese di Gavi
Favorita
Langhe Rossese
Roero Arneis
Terre Alfieri Arneis
Timorasso
Rosé Wines:
Sparkling:
Piemonte
Nebbiolo (the power of the Barolo and Barbaresco) is the most famous grape of Piemonte, followed by the red grapes Barbera and Dolcetto.
For whites, Cortese and Arneis are the most popular grapes.
For dessert, the off-dry, sparkling Moscato d'Asti is the queen.
The most important wine regions are:
- Asti (Barbera d'Asti)
- Langhe (Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera di Alba, Dolcetto, Roero)
- Monferrato (Barbera del Monferrat, Nizza, Cortese di Gavi)
- North (Gattinara, Ghemme)
Piemonte has 17 DOCG regions:
- Alta Langa (Metodo Classico)
- Asti (100% Moscato)
- Barbaresco (100 %Nebbiolo)
- Barbera d'Asti (Min 90% Barbera)
- Barbera del Monferrato (Min 85% Barbera)
- Barolo (100% Nebbiolo)
- Brachetto d'Acqui (100% Brachetto)
- Gavi (100% Cortese)
- Dogliani Superiore (100% Dolcetto)
- Ovada Superiore (100% Dolcetto)
- Diano d'Alba (100% Dolcetto)
- Erbaluce di Caluso (aka Caluso)
- Gattinara (Min 90% Nebbiolo)
- Ghemme (Min 85% Nebbiolo)
- Nizza (100% Barbera)
- Roero (100% Arneis)
- Castagnole Monferrato (90% Ruchè)