New Kids On The Block
Italians might be familiar with Bruno Vespa as he is one the most well-known TV journalists. He also has a passion for wine which started almost 40 years ago. For decades, Bruno met with the most famous wine producers throughout Italy, and after telling the stories of other winemakers for so long, Bruno decided he wanted to become a winemaker himself.
In 2010, Bruno purchased a small boutique winery of just 34 hectares of vineyards around the Manduria area and brought on Riccardo Cotarella, one of Italy’s most celebrated winemakers, to vinify his wines. Over the years, the winery has expanded its facilities and modernized its production techniques while maintaining a commitment to traditional wine practices. Today, Vespa is one of the largest producers of wine in Puglia and it is their passionate mission to raise the quality and critical opinion of Primitivo, and all the wines of Puglia, to be equal to the more famous northern cousins- Barolo, Brunello, and Chianti.
Casa E. di Mirafiore first began in 1878 with Emanuele Alberto Guerrieri, Count of Mirafiore and son of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of an independent, united Italy. Emmanuele dedicated himself to making wine with a modern approach with a constant attention to detail, and Mirafiore is said to be the reason Barolo is known as the “king of wines, the wine of kings.” After Emmanuele’s death and combined with the Great Depression, the winery closed for more than 70 years.
In 2008, Mirafiore returned home to the heart of the estate, purchased and restored by Oscar Farinetti. When Mirafiore reopened, it kept its original philosophy – where innovation is represented by the recovery of the unconditional traditions of the past. While Mirafiore is proud of the quality wines they produce, their brand is more than just wine. The brand also reflects the philosophy of respect for the territory and enhancement of the community and culture promoted by Count Emanuele over 100 years ago.
Out and About
Feudo Arancio and Project Gallery 90
We had the pleasure to partner up with Project Gallery 90 once again this month, this time for a Sicilian-themed exhibition with Feudo Arancio!
The Little Wine Company and Hunter Valley Wine Sydney Trade Tasting
This May we were able to start the month out with a trade tasting featuring Hunter Valley wines with The Little Wine Company!
Upcoming Events
Join us in both Sydney and Melbourne this August at Taste Champagne. We will be showcasing our Champagne Jacquart in Sydney on August 7th and in Melbourne on August 15th. Click here to secure your tickets.
Mezzacorona Is Coming To Australia
We’re excited to welcome Maurizio from Mezzacorona in Italy as he makes his way down to Australia in May 2023. Contact your sales representative to secure your winemaker dinner or visit.
We’re very excited to welcome Daniele Pasquali from Vespa in Italy to Sydney in May! Contact your sales representative to secure your winemaker dinner or visit.
Eisenstone Is Touring Australia
Stephen Cook of Eisenstone is touring Australia in May and June! Stephen will be in Sydney at the end of May and in Melbourne at the beginning of June, contact us to arrange a trade visit or a winemaker dinner.
Champagne Jacquart Is Coming To Australia
In August, Victor of Champagne Jacquart will be making his way around Australia. Contact your sales representative to secure your winemaker dinner or visit.
Nuiton-Beaunoy Is Coming To Australia
In September, Fabrice of Nuiton-Beaunoy will be making his way around Australia. Contact your sales representative to secure your winemaker dinner or visit.
Winery Spotlight
Italians might be familiar with Bruno Vespa as he is one the most well-known TV journalists. He also has a passion for wine which started almost 40 years ago. He cultivated his passion for wine from the very beginning of his career, and in 1982, was a part of the rebirth of Italian high-quality, trusted wines. For decades, Bruno met with the most famous wine producers throughout Italy, writing about the winemakers and tasting a different wine every day to feature in his weekly articles. After telling the stories of other winemakers for so long, Bruno decided he wanted to become a winemaker himself.
In 2010, the Vespa family, Bruno along with his wife Augusta and their sons Alessandro and Federico, purchased a small boutique winery of just 34 hectares of vineyards around the Manduria area. He selected only the best vineyards he could find and released his first wines in 2014.
Bruno brought on Riccardo Cotarella, one of Italy’s most celebrated winemakers, to vinify his wines. Riccardo became one of the most influential Italian winemakers of all time during the 1990s when he had a hand in creating some of the country’s most highly rated and collectible wines and is frequently referred to as the “wizard” as he was one of the architects of the Italian wine renaissance that took shape at the end of the last century and the early 2000s.
Over the years, the winery has expanded its facilities and modernized its production techniques while maintaining a commitment to traditional wine practices. Today, Vespa is one of the largest producers of wine in Puglia and it is their passionate mission to raise the quality and critical opinion of Primitivo, and all the wines of Puglia, to be equal to the more famous northern cousins- Barolo, Brunello, and Chianti. Their mission is to produce the best wines south of Rome.
The Wines
2021 Vespa II Bianco dei Vespa Fiano Salento IGP
Golden yellow, delicate bouquet of citrus fruitand aromatic herbs, mineral and floral. Full and balanced, with a palate that perfectly reflects the nose. Sapid finish with a typical and pleasant almond note.
2021 Vespa II Bruno dei Vespa Primitivo Salento IGT
The palate is smooth and ripe, with an attractive spicy character and a long velvety finish. Perfect to be paired with Prosciutto and salami, meatballs, medium aged cheese.
2021 Vespa II Rosso dei Vespa’ Primitivo di Manduria DOC
A wine that is full expression of the potential of Apulian nature, the Rosso dei Vespa combines the traditional character of Primitivo di Manduria with the fresher and more pleasant notes of the younger products. The two souls of this vine are linked: powerful and complex but at the same time pleasant and slender in its drinkability.
2019 Vespa Raccontami Primitivo di Manduria DOC
This Primitivo di Manduria tells the story of the Vespa family’s journey through the fascinating world of wine. The visual richness announces a strong character and, at the same time, a velvety impact. The scent of spices and berries anticipates its great, soft drinkability. Intense violet color. Mature fruit, cacao, prune, spicy, fragrant nose. Full and fresh mouth. Very soft tannins.
