2021 Ampeleia 'Un Litro' 1L

Region: Maremma < Tuscany < Italy

Grape: Alicante (aka Grenache), Carignano, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Alicante Bouschet

Vineyard/cellar stats: Biodynamic farming; blend of two different elevation vineyards (300-600m) with varied soil composition; grapes are co-harvested and co-fermented in concrete vats, A small percentage is done with carbonic maceration and the rest with a traditional crush. Aged for 6-7 months in cement; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal added So2; 11% ABV 

Winemaker: Elisabetta Foradori, Giovanni Podini and Thomas Widmann

The village of Roccatederighi sits in the southern part of Tuscany known as the Maremma.  It is a sight to behold, seemingly carved out from the surrounding rocky terrain, with 11th century fortifications and cobble stones streets give one the feeling of stepping back in time. The main focal point of village is a large climbing rock that juts out from the landscape depicting a sense of strength and fortitude.  When we first visited Ampelaia in 2009 the estate was still in its youth, the tasting room under construction.  By the time our short stay had come to an end we had a new appreciation for the Maremma, a giddy enthusiasm for the potential of the land and the victorious feeling of conquering the "big rock" on a midnight, after dinner, hike.  Such a unique and special place will never be erased from our memories. 

Ampelaia is the second project from famed Trentino biodynamic winemaker, Elisabetta Foradori, with two friends.  The winery started as exploration the full complexities and potential of the Maremma.  The focus of the vineyards is not the costal lowlands usually associated with the Mediterranean but rather the mineral rich hills that have been mined since the Etruscan era. The vineyards are broken up into three distinct levels.  Each level has its own elevation, soil composition and microclimatic conditions; a distinctive identity that is enhanced by the uniqueness of the surrounding environment.  Variety is the keystone and soul of Ampeleia.  Within this diversity, the estate focuses on Cabernet Franc and Alicante Nero, a distinctly Tuscan biotype of Grenache.  Though Ampeleia owns around 120 hectares of land, only 35 are planted to vine, and 56 hectares are dedicated to other cultivations in an attempt to keep the landscape intact to promote biodiversity.

Here's what the Ampeleia team says about Un Litro: "Placing a one-litre flask of wine on the table is a habit and age-old tradition, a symbol of conviviality.  This led us to come up with the name “Unlitro” and a bottle of a shape and size that conjures up the joy and carefreeness of being together.  Unlitro is produced from a blend of Alicante, Carignano, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Alicante Bouschet grapes coming from the youngest vineyards close to the sea. It reflects our desire to express the territory in a lighter and more immediate way, without losing any of its character."

A big happy bottle of easy drinking Tuscan glou, this red blend is clean, fresh and tasty with bright red fruit, flower and subtle spice notes. The ultimate pizza (or BBQ) wine, best with a slight chill.