Let’s start the weekend on an exploration of the wines of the Emilia-Romagna wine region in north central Italy with a focus on the Nespoli winery. Recently I attended a virtual wine tasting led by wine educator, Filippo Bartolotta, and the winemaker of Nespoli, Scipione Giuliani. Despite the reputation of of its surrounding neighbors, Emilia-Romagna is one of Italy's underappreciated wine regions so lets change that one bottle at a time starting with Poderi dal Nespoli.
All About the Nespoli winery
The Nespoli winery is tucked into the rolling hills in the Romagna part of the region. Even though Emilia-Romagna is technically one region, they associate as two separate regions. If you’ve traveled throughout Italy you understand that each region has its own wine, cuisines and even dialect so these differences can be noticeable as you journey throughout the country.
Nespoli was originally founded in 1929 and is one of the brands owned by the Argea Group, Italy’s largest private group, that also owns Zaccagnini in Abruzzo and Ricossa and Cuvage in Piedmont.
The White Wines of Nespoli
The white wines I tasted from Nespoli include their indigenous Albana along with their Chardonnay. The Albana grape is one that is only found in this region. The Albana di Romagna DOCG was one of the first white DOCG’s established in 1987. It can be produced in a number of different styles, but is mostly found in a dry style. These grapes carry a lot of acidity and are semi-aromatic with notes of citrus, tropical fruits and apricots.
The 2023 Nespoli Scanade Albana di Romagna DOCG Secco is made from 100% Albana grapes. It’s a bone dry wine that is fermented 70% in stainless steel and 30% in barrique. It’s then aged 2 months in barrique with 12 months in the bottle. This is a new wine for the Nespoli winery that is a project in conjunction with wine expert, Ricardo Cotarella. The grapes are hand harvested and gently hand selected on a table with care. This wine was brilliant straw colored. Light to medium bodied, dry and crisp with notes of lemon pith and a slight bitterness. The minerality shows up nicely towards the finish.ABV 12%, SRP $35
The 2023 Nespoli Lostar Forli IGT Chardonnay is fermented 30% in barrique and aged 5 months in barrique with partial malolactic. Brilliant straw colored. A hint of vanilla and apple aromas. Medium-bodied on the palate with notes of apple nicely balanced with acidity. ABV 13%, SRP $39 (not currently available).
The Red Wines of Nespoli
Moving on to the Nespoli red wines we will start with my favorite of the pick. The 2021 Nespoli “Il Nespoli” Romagna DOC Sangiovese Superiore Riserva is made from 100% Sangiovese. Scipione said that this is their best label of the winery and I would agree. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged 12 months in French oak. Deeper ruby in color with aromas of dark cherry, blackberries and licorice. Medium to full-bodied and very smooth and elegant on the palate. Nicely structured with soft tannin and rich in ripe cherries and a touch of vanilla. ABV 14.5%, SRP $49
This next wine they have been making since the early 80’s. The 2020 Nespoli Borgo dei Guidi Rubicone IGT is a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are made from 40-year-old vines. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and aged 8-10 months in barrique. Dark fruits of blackberries and plums on the nose. Full-bodied and structured with dark fruits showing nicely on the palate. This wine is well balanced. A touch of oak showing on the finish. ABV 14%, SRP $45
The 2022 Nespoli Gualdo Romagna DOC Sangiovese Predappio Biosimbiotico is made from 100% Sangiovese. It’s vinified and aged in stainless steel at least 10 months. This is an organic wine from their single vineyard in the Predappio sub zone. Deeper ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, violet and licorice. Medium to full-bodied with dark cherries on the palate. Delicate tannins and good acidity. ABV 13.5%, SRP $39
The 2023 Nespoli Prugneto Romagna DOC Sangiovese Superiore is their highest produced wine. Another single vineyard and organic wine, it is vinified and aged in stainless steel with 30% aged several months in large oak casks. Ruby colored with aromas of forest fruits. Dry and full-bodied on the palate showing juicy dark fruits, especially blueberries. Moderate in tannin and a presence of oak on the finish. ABV 13.5%, SRP $18
From the richer character of their Sangiovese to the crisp, food friendly whites, Nespoli's wines offer a compelling window into a wine region that rewards the curious drinkers willing to explore.
Importers: A number of these wines are imported by Kindred Vines Import Co along with Grace Imports. These wines were provided as samples, but opinions are always my own.
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