Proprietà Sperino

Discover the characterful wines of the Proprietà Sperino from Lessona – carefully produced by Paolo and Luca De Marchi.

History and Restoration of Proprietà Sperino

In 1999, Paolo and his son Luca De Marchi returned to their homeland Lessona and breathed new life into the historic castle and the venerable winery.

The Sperino family – an ancient dynasty of medical professionals – had been involved in viticulture since the 19th century; they were pioneers in bottling and research against Phylloxera.

The People Behind Proprietà Sperino

• Paolo De Marchi – returned with his son to Piedmont and led the revival of Cantina Lessona
• Luca De Marchi – trained linguist, responsible for practical wine production since 2004

Philosophy & Working Methods

The goal is to restore the historic wine tradition of Lessona: spontaneous fermentation, minimal technological intervention, respectful use of traditional oak barrels.

In the vineyards, the use of chemical herbicides and artificial fertilizers is completely avoided – almost everything is done by hand.

Geography & Terroir of Lessona

The winery is located in DOC Lessona, in northern Piedmont at the foot of Monte Rosa.

The soil consists of marine sandstone sediments with porphyry-coated granite – a combination that represents one of the most acidic terroirs worldwide.

Wine Lines of Proprietà Sperino

• Lessona – 80% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina, 5% Croatina; spontaneous fermentation in open wooden barrels, 21 months maturation in large oak barrels
• Lessona Riserva “Vigna Covà” – 100% Nebbiolo, from the Vigna Covà, spontaneous fermentation, 35 months aged in tonneaux
• Uvaio Costa della Sesia – 80% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina, 5% Croatina; spontaneous fermentation, 22 months aging in tonneaux and barrique barrels
• Bramaterra – similar grape varieties as Lessona, spontaneous fermentation, 21 months in barriques
• Rosa del Rosa – 80% Nebbiolo, 10% Vespolina, 10% Croatina; fermented in stainless steel, 4–5 months yeast aging
• L’Franc – 100% Cabernet Franc, spontaneous fermentation, matured 48 months in barriques (50% new)

Grape Varieties Overview

• Nebbiolo (Spanna)
• Vespolina
• Croatina
• Cabernet Franc

Vinification & Aging

The fermentation takes place exclusively spontaneously in open, flat wooden barrels – a technique rooted in traditional methods.

Aging: Depending on the wine, between 21 and 48 months in large wood (oak barrels, tonneaux, barriques)

Historical Significance

In the 19th century, the Sperino family experimented with bottle aging and vine refinement; they documented wines and wine production in a library at the castle.

Conclusion

• Revitalization of a historic family estate in 1999
• Authentic DOC Lessona wines made with traditional methods
• Wine lines from Spanna varieties to rosé and Cabernet Franc
• No chemical interventions, natural and handcrafted
• Long-term aging in wood for expressive, elegant wines

Enjoy the authentic wines of Proprietà Sperino – true terroir voice from Lessona!