Proprieta’ Sperino NV 'L Franc ******' Cabernet Franc, Vino Rosso (Lessona)

Proprieta’ Sperino NV 'L Franc ******' Cabernet Franc, Vino Rosso (Lessona)

Item Number: 8122

UPC: 8-033219926092

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Sub Region: Alto Piemonte
Appellation/AVA: Vino Rosso
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Franc
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14
Soil Type: Sand
Elevation: 290 meters

The noble terroir of Lessona gives a strong personality to this pure Cabernet Franc. It is an extraordinary showing because of the mature tannins, aromatic finesse, and savory minerality. This is an out of mind wine that breaks the appellation rules.

Vintage Notes: This bottling is the 2013 vintage.

Fruit Source: The Cabernet Franc for 'L'Franc ******' comes from 0.4 hectares planted in the Castagnola Vineyard in the Orolungo region of Lessona. This vineyard is just outside the main winery. The soils comprise of marine sands from the Pliocene period on igneous rock, mixed with more recent glacial sediment. The soil is acid (pH 4.5 – 5.5) rich in minerals and trace elements including iron, manganese, aluminum and zinc.

Vinification: The grapes are sorted while on the conveyor belt, then destemmed, gently pressed, and fed by gravity into the fermentation tanks. Fermentation takes place with natural yeast in open top wood fermenters. Skin maceration lasts for 40 days, with regular punching down of the cap. The wine then remains 12 months sur lie. The wine ages in French oak barriques, 50% new wood for 40 months. It remains in bottle for some time before release.

Reviews

  • Vinous
    Rating: 91 (7/1/2015)
    The NV (2009) L'Franc, 100% Cabernet Franc, is a new wine from Sperino. Over the years, Paolo De Marchi has proved he has the magic touch pretty much with every grape. You can add Cabernet Franc to the list. Here in its debut vintage, the L'Franc possesses remarkable varietal definition and finesse from start to finish. Violets, lavender, plums and mocha add further shades of nuance as it opens up. Amazingly, this fruit was not harvested until late October and into early November. Superb Cabernet Franc in Lessona? Yes, at Proprietà Sperino, it is possible.
  • Decanter
    Rating: 91 (12/1/2015)
    Voted one of Ian D'Agata's Top 6 Cabernet Franc's from Italy. Made from only 0.4ha of vines in Lessona on sandy gravelly soils that are better known for outstanding Nebbiolo. 50% new wood and lots of perfume and power. Drink 2017-2030.