Stefano Milanesi and Vesna Wine – 95 points ZWC
I rarely meet Stefano Milanesi; I’m always on the go while he remains nestled in his splendid Santa Giuletta in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese.
I first met Stefano many years ago, drawn in by a glass of wine one evening in downtown Milan. It was his Vesna traditional method, and after the first sip, I contacted him and arranged to visit his winery the next day.
I drove quickly up the hills of Casteggio, which climb towards Castello and Santa Giuletta, pausing occasionally to admire the vineyards that masterfully make this region the home of Pinot Nero.
At first, Stefano was almost silent as he admired his vineyards with me. He spoke about some “Uva Rara” vines, a vigorous yet low-yielding grape variety synonymous with Bonarda. Then, all of a sudden, he said, “Here we are at a crossroads of four regions. We are in Lombardy, but just look around, and you can see Piedmont less than 20 km away, Emilia Romagna 13 km away, and Liguria just over 50 km away.
Stefano Milanesi treats Pinot Nero with the utmost care. He tends to it in the vineyard, engaging in a daily dialogue with the vines. He harvests the grapes at just the right time, pressing them so gently that only the free-run juice is extracted. He doesn’t clarify the wine. Our first meeting revolved around discussing vegan wine. Stefano allows natural vinification, even in the bottle up until tirage, keeping the wine on fine lees for at least 36 months. He doesn’t filter or add dosage. The process is completed with remuage and dégorgement, all done meticulously by hand.
Wine to Wine, Bubbles to Bubbles, Vesna is a direct and since traditional method wine with great freshness and intensity. Its pleasantly elegant notes range from bread crust and butter to small white and yellow flowers, with a fine and persistent bubble. Its unique vinification process makes it special; the long drink, supported by acidity, tantalizes the taste buds, delivering a sensation of great freshness and minerality.
This traditional method wine captivates you. With each sip, you appreciate how a Magnum can be enjoyed throughout a meal, perfect for aperitifs and equally suitable for a fish-based lunch or rich, fatty charcuterie. Naturally, it shines best when sipped from glasses in good company, leaving you with the desire for another glass.
Zosimo advises:
Aging: suitable for aging
Investment: excellent
Value for money: excellent
pleasantness index: 9/10
Commercial Contact:
Az Agricola Stefano Milanesi
Strada Vecchia per il Castello 4 Fraz Castello
27046 Santa Giuletta Pavia
Tel. + 39 0383 801960 +39 339 2762263
English