Le Coste Rosso, Le Coste 2013

Gianmarco Antonuzzi and Clémentine Bouveron tend around 14 hectares of land, with vineyards amongst olive groves, chestnut trees, shrubs and oaks. Sat around Lago di Bolsena near Gianmarco’s childhood town of Gradoli in Lazio’s north, the soils are volcanic, rich in iron and minerals. Vines are planted at a density of up to 10,000 plants per hectare, from a mix of massale selections and ungrafted vines. Everything is done by hand, with careful attention to the needs of each plant and while biodynamic principles are employed, the approach here goes above and beyond.

Each year they produce a dizzying number of different wines which are vinified in an ancient cellar in the village’s centre where nothing is added at any stage. To taste here is a real treat, Gianmarco is a master of élevage and a real patience in this respect results in some of the purest, most delicious wines we have tried. This is a fascinating project, where the passion and dedication of two people is single handedly putting one of Italy’s lesser known villages firmly on the map.

Grechetto Rosso (aka Sangiovese) of the highest part of their ‘Le Coste’ vineyard, planted at a density of 10,000 plants per hectare from what was a perfect vintage. Grapes were harvested at perfect maturity and fermented in tini with some whole bunches, on their skins for over a month. Élevage took place in 500 litre casks for two years.  A powerful, wonderfully complete wine that will age beautifully for years to come.

Producer  Le Coste

Origin Gradoli, Lazio, Italy

Grapes Sangiovese

Vintage 2013

Alcohol 13% ABV

Style Full body natural red

Bottle size 750ml 

Winemaking Manual harvested, lightly macerated on skins for 1 month, fermented with indigenous yeast in stainless steel. Aged in small barrels for 2 years. Unfiltred and unfined. No added sulphites.

Notes  Natural, Organic