LE COSTE
Ninì 2020
Lazio, Italy
Inspired by Clementine and Gianmarco’s time working for the great vignerons of France, this Syrah from young vines was fermented carbonically as whole bunches for three weeks before pressed off to old barrels for a year. Playful and light on its feet, this manages to pack plenty of flavour on its little frame, with gentle notes of black fruit, olive and brine. A wine that screams for a nice piece of lamb.
Syrah
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
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.