Andrea Occhipinti, Rosso Arcaico, Lazio, Italy

Andrea Occhipinti fell in love with the vineyards of Gradoli while he was at the Agrarian University of Tuscia, so much so that they became the subject of his master thesis in 2004. Soon after graduating, Andrea was able to purchase few hectares of vineyards planted in the 1990s. They are set at 450 metres above sea level on the volcanic slopes of Lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. Situated just one hour north of Rome, the lake provides a unique microclimate that together with the particular terroir and Andrea’s objective to preserve and promote the local indigenous varietals, Aleatico and Grechetto Rosso, produces wines with the flavour of tradition and the effervescence of innovation.

Rosso Arcaico is a wine obtained from maceration on the skins for 20 days and spontaneous fermentation with only indigenous yeasts in terracotta amphorae, without the use of chemical or other oenological additives. Aged for a further 6 months in terracotta amphorae and 2 months in bottle before release. Made supple and textural by the amphora, it expresses aromas of apricot, incense, wax and menthol. Enveloping and enticing.