Le Pianelle "Vèspo" Coste della Sesia Rosso '15

Dieter Heuskel first visited the Piedmont region in 1985 and was intrigued by its blend of nature, wines, and vineyards. In 2002 he decided to begin a winemaking project in northern Piedmont. Having previously worked in German finance, he teamed up with Peter Dipoli, a vintner, wine merchant, and writer in Alto Adige, and they began working with the winemaker than Cristiano Garella, who was born in northern Piedmont and dedicated to the wines of Alto Piemonte.
 
Le Pianelle is the name of the abandoned vineyard that started this estate, purchased in 2004. Over the years, they were able to acquire more parcels and today own nearly 10 acres. Le Pianelle’s vineyards are in the towns of Brusnengo and Roasio, stretching from the rice fields of the Po Valley to a range of hills that peak at Monte Rosa, at 4,634 meters above sea level. They grow Nebbiolo, Vespolina, and Croatina, and their cellar is in an old house in the historic center of Brusnengo.  
 
Made from Vespolina, Le Pianelle “Vespo” is produced from historic vineyards in the Villa del Bosco municipality, in Bramaterra. The average vine age is 20 years. Vespolina, an offspring of Nebbiolo, was historically blended into Nebbiolo wines to contribute notes of spice and pepper to the blend, or to balance Nebbiolo in cooler vintages. For Pianelle’s “Vespo,” the Vespolina grapes are destemmed, and traditional fermentation is carried out in small stainless steel tanks without added yeast. The juice macerates with the skins for 28 days and is then aged in used barriques for 18 months. It was bottled September 2016 and left to rest in bottle until release in 2021.

This sings Alto Piemonte on the nose, with notes of wild cherry, anise, and spice. Medium bodied, with soft tannins, and great balance, this is an incredible food wine. Try it with grilled lamb or mushroom risotto.