Francesco Brigatti Maria Vespolina Rosso 2024

Country: Italy

Region: Alto Piemonte

Type: Red Wine

Grape: Vespolina

Francesco Brigatti represents the third generation to manage his family’s estate in Suno, in the Colline Novaresi DOC of Alto Piemonte, Italy. An agronomist & oenologist by training, Francesco took over operations in 1995 and transitioned the 15-acre estate to organic farming practices. While the region’s acidic, glacial soils and cool alpine climate are historically celebrated for red wines, Brigatti focuses on single varietal bottlings from the estate's three main hills—MötZiflon, Mötfrei, and Campazzi—to highlight the distinct properties of native Piedmontese grapes.

Francesco Brigatti’s single-varietal Vespolina, "Maria" showcases the indigenous grape that is traditionally used only as a blending wine alongside Nebbiolo. Named after his daughter, this 100% Vespolina bottling is grown on the estate's acidic, morainic glacial soils in Suno. While most regional producers use oak barrels to round out the grape's natural tannins, Brigatti vinifies and ages the wine entirely in stainless steel tanks for six months.

“Maria” has a bright ruby color and on the nose, it delivers forward aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry, red plum, and mountain florals. A defining chemical characteristic of the Vespolina grape is the presence of rotundone—the exact same aroma molecule found in black peppercorns—giving the wine a prominent, naturally spicy and peppery profile. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, juicy, and fresh, combining vibrant alpine acidity with light tannins that provide a firm grip on the finish. Very versatile with food and delicious slightly chilled