Some grape varieties make the leap beyond local borders, others do not, although it is not always clear why. Spergola has a fine aroma that is reminiscent of white flowers when fermented in the classic way. When vinified on the skins, orange peel and clove flavours are often added. It also has an animating and lively acidity, which makes it ideal for sparkling and sweet wines. Despite all its positive attributes, it has never been planted outside Emilia - and even there it can only be found around Scandiano.
The fact that - according to grape variety specialist Ian d'Agata - Bianca Capello, once Grand Duchess of Tuscany, was an avowed fan and that Matilde of Canossa once bequeathed a bottle to Pope Gregory VII has done nothing to change this. Today, a good dozen winegrowers look after its continued existence, including Ca' de Noci, who demonstrate the enormous potential of the grape variety with its Riserva dei Fratelli, made exclusively from Spergola.