Agricola Brigatti Maria Colline Novaresi Vespolina 2024

The Maria cuvée comes from the hills of Suno, in the Colline Novaresi, in the heart of Upper Piedmont. The vineyard lies on soils of glacial origin, formed of fluvio-alluvial sediments rich in silt and relatively acidic. These conditions, combined with the cool climate and Alpine influence, encourage slow ripening of Vespolina, the region's emblematic native grape variety. The cuvée bears the name of Francesco Brigatti's daughter and authentically expresses the freshness and spicy character of the Novara terroirs.

The best Vespolina grapes, from vines around 30 years old, are hand-harvested at the end of September, after the bunches have been sorted directly in the vineyard. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks with 6 days of maceration on the skins, gently extracting colour, substance and aromas. After vinification, the wine is aged 6 months in stainless-steel tanks, then continues to mature for at least 6 months in bottle. This approach preserves the grape's freshness, liveliness and natural expression.

This wine reveals notes of raspberry, morello cherry and redcurrant, accompanied by hints of violet, rose, liquorice, black pepper and forest floor. On the palate, the attack is fresh and lively, driven by dynamic acidity and fine tannins that bring structure and definition. Light and energetic, it favours precision and drinkability over power. The lingering, delicately spicy finish highlights the typicity of Vespolina and its fresh, floral, peppery character.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, a land of Dolce Vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine organization! The key to understanding Italy's appellation system is to view it as several small countries rather than a single homogenous one, as each region has its own appellation system. Yet, Italy can offer enthusiasts a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles full of surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines that are sold under their most useful and commercially renowned names: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others...

But let's talk a little about history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have planted vines, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently naming the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine played an important role in daily life, and already some regions stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established many vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their invasion.

Today, Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The "middle of the boot" plain is dominated by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "south of the boot," a Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not to mention the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which are native to its lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!