Lazio, Italy

Aleatico, Sangiovese, Merlot and Procanico

This explosively fragrant and energetic natural rosè comes from a blend of Lazio’s ancient grapes, mostly red vinified with little or no skin contact, Sangiovese, Merlot and Aleatico, and a white one with a bit of maceration, Procanico. It draws structure and wisdom from Lake Bolsena’s volcanic soils and, through utterly natural agriculture and vinification, achieves the status of ultimate thirst-quencher: spiced gooseberries with smoked watermelon soaked in Mezcal, then Turkish delight and pink grapefruit with wild tarragon.

Le Coste, which has long since deservedly attained almost mythological status among die-hard natural wine lovers, was born when husband and wife team Gianmarco Antonuzi and Clementine Bouveron, after vast winemaking experience in Bourgogne, decided to return to Gianmarco’s native Lazio. They moved to Gradoli, in Northern Lazio’s near Lago di Bolsena and about 150km from Rome, a terroir of volcanic origins rich in iron, volcanic ashes and nutrients. They started by purchasing 3 hectares of abandoned land once planted with olives and vines, then they slowly expanded also by renting venerable old vineyards. Today the farm, tended according to the most authentic naturalist ethos and biodynamic methods, comprises about 14 hectares.