The Mazzoni family has a long winegrowing history in Ghemme. But because one couldn’t eke out a living as a vignaiolo in the early 1960s, Tiziano’s father left behind the life of a farmer to work in a factory. After many trips to Barolo, Tiziano decided to return to his roots and explore winegrowing on his home soils. Today Tiziano farms a total of eleven acres in Ghemme and crafts a successful portfolio of classical Alto Piemontese wines. Reflecting a transparent rusty garnet robe, Mazzoni’s Vespolina expresses all that makes the Alto Piemonte such an exciting winegrowing zone. Notes of saddle leather, geranium, rose petals, vine smoke, and pink peppercorns mingle with a deep kernel of tart plum and pie cherry fruit. Fashioned for immediate enjoyment, the Vespolina grape’s inherent tannic structure is tamed to perform in perfect balance with the wine’s fruit while simultaneously amplifying its volcanic, mineral-rich soil expression. Reprises of red plum and sour cherry fruit return as the wine finishes long and soul-satisfying. leaving you hankering for both classic hearty Piemontese cuisine as well as everyday fare such as salumi, sausages, pizza, pasta, burgers, grilled chicken and pork chops.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 88+ points
A June 2021 newsletter selection
