Proprieta Sperino

Proprietà Sperino is a 12-hectare hillside estate in Lessona, near Biella in northern Piedmont, owned and run by the De Marchi family—the same team behind top Chianti Classico producer Isole e Olena. What sets this producer apart is the exceptional terroir: soils formed 300 million years ago by a supervolcano, creating sandy earth known locally as "ori di Lessona" (Lessona's gold). These mineral-rich soils with extremely low pH—among the lowest in the wine world—give the estate's Nebbiolo wines a distinctive, finely-etched minerality. The De Marchi team makes wines in a Burgundian style: fragrant yet intense, with silky tannins rather than the heavy structure you might expect from Piedmont.

About Proprieta Sperino

The estate was inherited by Paolo De Marchi through his relative Felice Sperino, a viticulturist and professor in Turin. Paolo spent decades dreaming of revitalizing the property, a vision that came to fruition when his son Luca joined him—he oversees both vineyard operations and winemaking under Paolo's direction. The Lessona soils yield Nebbiolo with softer, more refined tannins than those from the Langhe region—this is a real commercial advantage if you prefer elegance over power. The high manganese and iron content in the volcanic earth creates wines of unusual mineral precision, a calling card you'll taste across the range.

The estate's vineyards include the 40-year-old 'Madonna degli Angeli' plot in Brusnengo, planted on granite-rich soils and used for the Bramaterra DOC wine. The 'Vigna Covà' vineyard occupies elevated terrain within the Lessona village area at approximately 350 metres elevation, producing a silky, dark-fruited expression. This is a small, focused producer—just 12 hectares—where every wine reflects careful site selection and a clear winemaking philosophy. You're buying from a family with serious credentials in fine wine, applying those standards to a historically important but underrated corner of Piedmont.

Proprieta Sperino Wines in Our Collection

The **2019 Lessona** (92 points, Tim Atkin) is the flagship: a pure Nebbiolo that showcases what the volcanic soils can do. It's intense yet velvety, with the mineral grip and elegance this appellation is famed for—ideal if you want Piedmont Nebbiolo without the heaviness. The **2021 Uvaggio Coste della Sesia Rosso** (93 points, Vivino 4.1) is a blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolina, and Croatina—supple and grainy with a rose-like finish, a more approachable entry point. For something lighter, the **2025 Rosa del Rosa Rosato** (93 points, Vivino 4.1) is a mineral, savoury Nebbiolo rosé with real substance, not a summer quaff. The **2015 Vigna Covà Lessona Riserva** (91 points, Jancis Robinson; Vivino 4.4) offers silky tannins, dark fruit, and clove—a single-vineyard expression for the serious collector. The **2020 Bramaterra** (92 points, Tim Atkin) from the granite-rich Madonna degli Angeli vineyard shows red fruits, pepper, and black tea with delicate tannins.

Food Pairing

The Lessona and single-vineyard Vigna Covà work beautifully with beef carpaccio, rare steak, and game birds—the mineral edge cuts through rich fats. The Uvaggio, being lighter and more savoury, suits porcini risotto, roasted mushrooms, and aged hard cheeses. The Bramaterra's pepper and tea notes pair well with roast chicken, herb-crusted lamb, and charcuterie boards. The rosato, crisp and dry, is excellent with salads, seafood pasta, and light antipasti.

What makes Lessona wines different from other Piedmont Nebbiolo?

Lessona soils formed from a supervolcano, are mineral-rich with extremely low pH. This creates softer, more refined tannins and distinctive minerality compared to Nebbiolo from the Langhe.

Who owns Proprieta Sperino now?

The De Marchi family, who also own Isole e Olena in Chianti Classico. Luca De Marchi runs the vineyard and makes the wines with his father Paolo's guidance.

Is there a rosé wine available?

Yes. The Rosa del Rosa is a Nebbiolo rosé with mineral and savoury character, rated 93 points. It's crisp and dry, not a typical summer wine.

Who makes Proprietà Sperino wines?

Proprietà Sperino is owned and run by the De Marchi family—Paolo De Marchi and his son Luca, who oversees vineyard and winemaking operations. The 12-hectare estate is located in Lessona, near Biella in northern Piedmont.

What style of wine does Proprietà Sperino make?

Proprietà Sperino specializes in Nebbiolo and Nebbiolo-based blends in a Burgundian style: fragrant, intense, with silky tannins. The volcanic soils create distinctive minerality. The 2019 Lessona scored 92 points—pure Nebbiolo showcasing mineral grip and elegance.

How much does Proprietà Sperino wine cost?

Proprietà Sperino wines range between £21 and £130. Entry-level options like the rosato and Uvaggio start around £21–£30; premium reds like the Lessona and single-vineyard Riserva range from £57 to £130.