The 6th and 7th generation of the Ioppa family continue to farm their vineyards and produce wines in the Novara Hills in the far north of Piedmont, at the foot of the Alps. The family produces traditionally styled wines that respect the area’s winemaking traditions but embrace innovation. From an organically farmed vineyard that straddles the border of the Ghemme DOCG and the Colline Novaresi DOC that encompasses Ghemme, this 100% Nebbiolo (which would traditionally be called Spanna in these parts) rosé sees a short maceration on the skins and gentle pressing but the high levels of tannins in Nebbiolo results in a deeper colored rosé that also has surprising and refreshing tannins that make it an extremely versatile accompaniment for food. A very slow, cool, 40-day fermentation preserves fresh flavors of apricot and peach with skin and pit, pear, cherry blossoms and a touch of fennel that are framed by the beautiful texture of higher-than-average tannins and lees and moderate acidity. The flavors are intense enough to stand up to well-herbed white or red meats and the finish is long and pleasant.