Nestled in the beautiful southern Italian region of Puglia lies Vespa Vignaioli per Passione, a winery that brings passion and tradition to life through its sumptuous wines. Located in the Manduria area, the winery stands as a testament to the rich heritage of winemaking that has thrived in this region for centuries.
The Idyllic Estate: Masseria Li Reni
Vespa Vignaioli per Passione is set in the stunning “Masseria Li Reni”, an enchanting estate that spans over 25 hectares (60 acres) of lush vineyards. The estate is owned by the Vespa family, who have embraced and nurtured traditional varietals such as Negroamaro, Primitivo, Aleatico, and Uva di Troia.
The vineyards at Masseria Li Reni are rooted in history, with the average age of the vines ranging from 25 to 40 years for Primitivo, and 10 to 20 years for other varieties. These mature vines, coupled with the unique terroir of the region, contribute to the creation of wines with character and depth.
A Master’s Touch: Riccardo Cotarella’s Influence
A crucial aspect of the winery’s success is the involvement of the renowned winemaker Riccardo Cotarella. With his expertise, he has imparted a refined and profound touch to the wines. From the everyday offerings to the more complex creations, Cotarella’s deft hand has shaped the character and quality of the wines. His reputation and skill have been instrumental in catapulting this ambitious project into the limelight, establishing Vespa as one of Puglia’s frontrunners in winemaking.
Wines Reflecting Puglia’s Essence
Vespa’s wines are interpreters of the power and essence of Puglia’s unique terroir. They offer a remarkable balance and pleasantness, with a hint of freshness and elegance that is a welcome addition to the region’s wine panorama. Through meticulous vineyard management and winemaking techniques, Vespa captures the essence of Puglia in every bottle.
Spotlight: Il Bruno dei Vespa
Among the remarkable wines produced at Vespa, “Il Bruno dei Vespa” holds a special place. This wine is crafted from 100% Primitivo grapes, indigenous to the Salento area of Puglia.
Wine Profile:
- Grape Variety: 100% Primitivo
- Geographical Area: Salento
- Vineyards Elevation: 90 m. above sea level
- Soil Type: Clay
- Training System: Spurred cordon
- Vines per Hectare: 5,000 vines
- Yield per Hectare: 75 Quintals
- Grape Yield in Wine: 70%
- Average Age of Vines: 15 – 20 years
- Harvest: First 15 days of September
- Alcoholic Fermentation: Maceration with skins for 10 days with several punch downs
- Malolactic Fermentation: Complete in barrique
- Ageing: 4 months in Never and Troncais Barrique
“Il Bruno dei Vespa” is a wine of incredible depth and complexity. The grapes are harvested in early September, ensuring optimum ripeness. Following a maceration period with the skins to extract color and flavor, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in barriques. This process imparts a roundness and complexity to the wine.
