Andrea Occhipinti ‘Rosso Arcaico’

Andrea Occhipinti ‘Rosso Arcaico’ – brimming with the most desirable sense of rusticity, this blend is juicy, somewhat chalky joy. Equal parts Aleatico di Gradoli and Grechetto Rosso, this heart-racing, jet-fuelling emboldening of spirit is unputdownable. The vines, grown on volcanic soils, range in age from 13 to 32 years and are harvested by hand. The grapes are macerated on their skins for thirty days and fermented spontaneously in terracotta amphorae. Furthermore, the wine is aged for six months in these aforementioned terracotta amphorae vessels before two months’ worth of bottle ageing. What emerges is a tremendously generous wine, bursting with ripe, if not even somewhat cooked, fruit. Sour cherry and summer berries mingle with peppery and savoury notes; touches of lavender bring some levity to the textural journey. Gentle tannins and a lingering cacao note conclude this supple sipping adventure.

Andrea Occhipinti discovered his love for the Gradoli vineyards while studying at the Agrarian University of Tuscia. He managed to purchase four hectares of vines, planted 450 metres above sea level. They are situated on the volcanic slopes of Lake Bolsena; there is exposure to an incredibly unique microclimate here. This, paired alongside Andrea’s obstinate preservation of ancient indigenous varietals, help to create proud expressions of this region. He works mainly with Aleatico di Gradoli, as well as Grechetto Rosso (a not-too-distant cousin of Sangiovese) and through his process, urges them to be as distinct and pure as possible. The vines are of course farmed organically and the grapes are manually harvested. Moreover, the cellar-intervention is kept to an absolute minimum.

Andrea Occhipinti ‘Rosso Arcaico’ – a truly unique expression of Lake Bolsena and its volcanic terroir; some of that chalky minerality bleeds its welcome way through.