The Lessona castleworks and cellar have been at the epicentre of a salubrious winemaking enterprise since the 1700s, they fell derelict in the 1970s and remained unproductive until 1999. The costly restoration was a labour of love for Dr Marchi, who returned to his family estate with a view to re establishing one of Piedmont's most cherished marques. Sperino Lessona is a remarkably generous Nebbiolo wine, led by its pretty rose petal and mint chocolate nose, followed by a refreshing market garden palate of intensely aromatic black bramble fruit.

When Paolo and Luco De Marchi returned to their family roots at Lessona on Via Orolungo in 1999, the distinguished old vines had become overgrown by weeds and vegetation. Reclaiming the stately old vineyards is an ongoing effort, recreating the glory of Piedmontese viticulture. Once a principle source for Italy's finest wines, the challenging terrains of Piedmont were abondoned for more favourable climes to the south. Hand picked parcels of Nebbiolo are sorted to ensure quality of the harvest, destemmed and gently pressed. A wild yeast vinification in traditional open vat fermenters is followed by twenty months sur lie and an extravagant forty months in a selection of well seasoned oaks.