Ioppa, Colline Novaresi (Piedmont, Italy) Vespolina 2015

 There are a number of quality appellations in the Novara-Vercelli Hills of the Alto Piemonte.  Gattinara, Ghemme, Boca, Fara and Sizzano are all Nebbiolo-based wines drawn from local vineyards.  The Nebbiolo, sometimes called Spanna here, is traditionally blended with small amounts of Bonarda and Vespolina.  It is unusual to find a Vespolina bottled on its own, but the 2015 Ioppa Coda Rossa is just that.  It’s a delicious and vibrant red that shows why Vespolina is so well regarded.  The nose shows a combination of black cherry and dried red cherry fruits combined with hints of licorice, dried flowers, earth and subtle spices.  It is ripe and lively on the palate with cherry and raspberry fruits underscored by hints of tea, anise and dried flowers.  Fully enjoyable now, it has the structure and depth to improve for another few years.