Ampeleia 'Kepos'

WHERE WHAT WHEN ITALY RED AS NEEDED

AMPELEIA ‘KEPOS’ An integral part to any self-respecting Mediterranean diet.

WINEMAKER Elisabetta Foradori & Marco Tait REGION Tuscany/Maremma CONCEPTUAL DOPPELGANGER The vegetation – low lying GRAPE VARIETY shrubbery – that covers the Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Mediterranean hillsides is called Alicante Bouschet, and the blend “maquis”. It is a hearty and pragmatic expression of the is intended to be above the in- mineral rich soils in which it thrives that displays remarkably Mediterranean origin. beauty when it blooms in concert in the springtime. Unremarkable AGE OF VINES Planted in 2002 on their own, these shrubs conspire to create a riot of PRODUCTION 30,000 Bottles beauty when the time is right. A blend requires a thoughtful SOIL hand to create a whole better than the parts – the Maquis does Volcanic rock, marl, clay, and a it naturally; the Kepos is diverse composition of minerals. inspired by this natural balance. VITI/VINI The vineyards are situated at 3 altitudes ranging from 200 to 600 PRODUCER meters above sea level. Parcels selected for Kepos are located in Decades after achieving tremen- bearing hills. The 40-hectare lower and central levels of Am- dous success putting the local vineyard is a unique examination peleia. Fermentation occurs spon- grape Teroldego on the map and of terroir, with three distinct taneously with natural yeast in garnering international recog- altitudes, three microclimates, concrete tanks. The juice from nition and respect, Elisabetta and an incredibly varied soil each grape is blended during fer- Foradori was hungry for another types. The goal is to maximize mentation rather than after. In- challenge. In 2002 Ampeleia was the expression of this very unique tervention is as minimal as pos- born, Located in the Maremma, landscape. The vineyards have al- sible. To quote Elisabetta, “you ways been farmed organically and must trust the grapes”. The blend- village of Roccatederighi, the a conversion to biodynamic viti- ed juice then spends 11 months in vineyards, planted at three al- culture occurred in 2009. Am- cement and then another 5 months titudes, are surrounded by the peleia is a Greek word that means in the bottle. Colline Metallafere-- metal- Vine. Kepos translates to garden.