By Villa Guelpa
Lessona DOC 2018

Vintage Description
2018, keeping in line with the trend of the last few years, was on average warmer. However, there were days of intense cold in late February (which negatively affected our new planting rooted cuttings) with abundant rainfall and little fog, definitely the opposite of the year before. The buds began to swell at the end of March, with a regular budding from the second half of April. From then on, an alternation of hot and rainy days (with frequent interventions in the vineyard to keep downy mildew attacks at bay, managed with the help of chestnut tannin extract) until the explosion of the torrid summer of August until late September. The shoots, extremely loaded with compact bunches, led us - not without difficulty - to a harvest good in quality and abundant in quantity.

Vineyard Details
Area of Production: Lessona, Alto Piemonte Italy
Exposure: South
Altitude: 340 meters
Soil: Sand, gravel, sandy and kaolinic clays, Permian volcanites
Density of Planting: 4,500 plants per Ha
Training System: Guyot
Vine Age: 19 years
Area: 0.3 Ha
Harvest: By hand in small baskets on October 15

Vinification
Fermentation: Destemming and soft crushing; spontaneous fermentation, 12-day maceration on the skins
Aging: 24 months in Slavonian oak tonneaux and subsequent aging in bottle
Malolactic: In December

Wine Details
Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
pH: 3.51
Total Acidity: 6.02 g/L
[Information provided by V and N Cellars]

Villa Guelpa 2018 Nebbiolo (Lessona)
From: Lessona, Piedmont, Italy
Rating: 96 - Cellar Selection
Price: $70
Winery: Villa Guelpa
Region: Piedmont
Alcohol: 13.5%
Variety: Nebbiolo
Wine Type: Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Issue Date: 7/1/2021
Rose petal, forest berry, botanical herb, menthol and truffle aromas are front and center on this gorgeous, sublimely scented Nebbiolo. Made by one of the denomination's rising stars, it's all about elegance, precision and energy, delivering juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and crushed mint flavors alongside taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it radiant, and a savory, saline mineral note lingers on the finish. Drink 2023-2038.
Reviewed By: Kerin O’Keefe

2018 Lessona
Producer: Villa Guelpa Societa Agricola
Place of Origin: Italy, Piedmont
Color: Red
Grape/Blend: Nebbiolo
Rating: 91
Drinking Window: 2022 - 2030
From: Alto Piemonte, Valtellina and Points North (Mar 2022)
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni on March 2022
The 2018 Lessona is fruity, open-knit and tasty. A burst of sweet red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, mint and lavender makes a strong first impression. This open-knit, easygoing Lessona will be a pleasure to drink over the next handful of years.