Ancum 2023

Originating from the hills of Piedmont, the vineyard for this cuvée is located around the village of Barolo, in the heart of the Langhe, a historic production area for great Italian red wines. The plots, planted on marl-limestone soils mixed with clay and sand, benefit from varied exposures that promote a gradual maturation of the grapes. The continental climate, marked by significant temperature differences between day and night, helps preserve aromatic freshness while ensuring good concentration. This mosaic of terroirs gives the wine its structured and elegant character.

The grapes for the Ancum cuvée are harvested by hand, then destemmed and gently crushed before alcoholic fermentation in vats with skin maceration to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation then takes place to soften the tannins and add more roundness. The wine is then aged in tanks and barrels, to preserve the fruit while adding complexity and balance, before bottling after an additional resting period in the cellar.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruits, black cherry, and plum, complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper and licorice, supported by a light woody register. On the palate, the texture is full and structured, driven by a lively acidity, firm but well-integrated tannins, and a persistent, flavorful, and slightly balsamic finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!