Italian wine and grape guide : Vespaiola

The Vespaiola vine is native to the piedmont region around Vicenza, and has its roots in the town of Breganze. The origins of this variety, however, remain uncertain. Acerbi signals its presence in the area of Bassano and Marostica in 1825. The name Vespaiola, like other similar cases (Vespolina) refers to the predilection of wasps for mature berries and sugar in periods close to harvest. In purity this grape variety is present in Breganze Doc Vespaiolo and Torcolato. The wine Vespaiolo is dry and easy to drink, while the Torcolato is a sweet wine with great structure and intensity. The berry is white, medium, with thick and substantial, very waxy, yellow-golden skin. The bunch is small, cylindrical-conical, winged, not very compact with a small, orbicular leaf. The Vespaiola vine has good vigor and time of average maturity. The Vespaiola grape gives a wine of straw yellow color with golden highlights. The scent is not very intense and complex but subtle and delicate, with light fruity and herbaceous notes. The taste is fresh and fruity, full-bodied. If vinified after drying (Torcolato) has an intense golden yellow color, intense and complex scent, with notes of dried flowers, flint and honey. The flavor reveals a good freshness for acidity.