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2016 Andrea Occhipinti Alea Rosaproduct-timed-pdf - Vino Rosato, , Italy, RARE FIND - Needs no press | only 125 cases produced!

Why We're Drinking It

"The Wines of Lazio: There’s Potential Gold in Those Hills!" ~IAN D’AGATA I AUGUST 22, 2017, Vinous Media

2014 was the First vintage of the Alea Rosa Vino Rosato by Andrea Occhipinti, who by the way has no realtion to the Sicilian producer Arianna Occhipinti for the record. (Also not the same as the famous Italian actor). This estate is based on the slopes surrounding the Volcanic lake of Bolsena; the region is part of Maremma (called “Tuscia” in Lazio), about 15 minutes’ drive from the Tuscan border,

All Occhipinti wines are produced using Certified Organic Agriculture from vines that range between 13-32 years old. The soils are loaded with Volcanic lapilli:

Lapilli is a size classification term for tephra, which is material that falls out of the air during a volcanic eruption or during some meteorite impacts. Lapilli (singular: lapillus) means "little stones" in Latin. This soil is great for winemaking and complexity!

Aleatico is a red grape variety. It is notable for being the primary grape in the cult wine Aleatico di Portoferraio made in Elba, but is grown most commonly in the and Lazio regions of Italy. In Chile is known as Red Moscatel. The grape has also been cultivated at Mudgee in New South Wales and California.

Aleatico wines are characterized by the aroma of , a trait they share with blanc à Petits Grains. Other aroma notes commonly include various berry fruits and lychees.

Tasting Notes

VARIETAL Richer, notes of fresh strawberry patch and fresh picked raspberries mingle 100% Aleatico, Rosé with roses and basil all day. Strawberry Basil martini, a heavier that is APPELLATION super versatile with food. The fruit is equally balanced with herbs and vino da tavola, Lazio, Italy minerals. Stunner! ALCOHOL 12.00 SIZE 750ml BLEND 100% Aleatico, Rosé FERMENTATION with native yeasts in stainless steel AGING/COOPERAGE 6 months in steel / cement barrels and at least 2 months in bottle PRODUCTION 125 cases

The Story to Know

Andrea Occhipinti fell in love with the vineyards of Gradoli while he was at the Agrarian University of Tuscia, so much so that they became the subject of his master thesis in 2004.

Soon after graduating, Andrea was able to purchase 4 hectares of vineyards planted in the 1990’s. They are set at 450 meters above sea level (1500 feet) on the volcanic slopes of Lake Bolsena, the biggest volcanic lake in Europe. Situated just one hour north of Rome, the lake provides a unique microclimate that together with the particular terroir and Andrea’s objective to preserve and promote the local indigenous varietals, Aleatico and Grechetto Rosso, produce wines with the flavor of tradition and the effervescence of innovation.

Andrea is the first in Italy to experiment with a dry interpretation of the Aleatico grape, and his next project is to vinify Aleatico in white. The vines are planted at a density of 3400/5000 per hectare and trained at spurred cordon system.

Andrea's goal is to preserve and enhance the characteristics of the two native vines of Gradoli, Aleatico and Grechetto Rosso, through the mass selection of the most suitable vines for the volcanic nature of the land, scrupulous methods with which the grapes, at the right level of maturation, are harvested and transported, and a special care in the stages of drying, winemaking and conservation, where the taste of tradition and the effervescence of innovation blend perfectly.

The total production is 15.000 bottles.

Perfect Pairings

A superior food pairing roato due to it's richness and intensity balanced with enough acid to cut through some fat.

The cuisine of Lazio, in contrast to other regional culinary traditions, has maintained its characteristics over time, with only some slight influence of the Jewish community. Specialties such as “spaghetti alla carbonara”, or the oxtail or even “gnocchi alla romana” are known throughout the world.

Ratings

94 Insider points

Reviews

This is one incredible and very unique rosato that gets the Italian wine geek juices flowing quickly! The dried Aleatico grapes are special and this is a super micro production wine that you will typicall find when traveling to Lake Bolsena and stopping by the winery. Only 125 cases were produced using only the most traditional and natural methods and boom....you get a stellar rosato!

The 2016 Alea Rosa is richer and darker than many Rosé you've encountered due to the drying of the grapes. Think of this one as a fresh, ripe strawberry & basil martini in a bottle! Fresh strawberry patch & fresh picked raspberries mulled together with a fresh strong basil and rose notes.....The entire office here at invino fought over who'd take it home and it was a big hit with the wine novices to the wine nerds. Originally this producer was a special "by request" from a loyal premier member who had tasted some Andrea Occhipinti wines in Genova and here we are today. (It was so good I had to bring it to all of our members). Enjoy this wine now and you REAL Rosé & Italian lovers have a fun experience with the Alea Rosa. You will want at least 6 of these!

~James Byus III, Premier Wine Concierge/Italian Wine Lover