Raina Grechetto, Umbria Bianco IGT 2022 750ML
Grapes: 100% Grechetto
Vineyard: 220 mASL, Northeast facing
Vinification: Macerates for 2 days on skins in stainless steel before pressing; fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel.
Ages for 7 months in stainless steel tanks on fine lees, 3 months in bottle. Unfined and unfiltered
Tasting Notes: Full of wild herbs, white peach, and a hint of balsamic, with apricot following on the palate. A ripple of acidity refreshes the palate, followed by a light grip of tannin. It is fresh, juicy, savory with light tannins and biodynamic.
Francesco Mariani's story is a special one; he started out as a chef who, over time, became a wine grower in Montefalco, without ever abandoning his passion for cooking. In a certain sense, this experience influenced his approach of making wine. The search for flavours of the utmost purity and truth informs his way of working the land, as well his hands-off approach in the cellar; all with the ultimate aim of complete terroir expression.
Operating under biodynamic principles, his primary aim is to cultivate authentic biodiversity while preventing the accumulation of treatments in the soil.
Francesco adopts an approach that resonates with us the most—employing spontaneous fermentation in concrete vessels, followed by aging either in concrete or old Slavonian oak. Bottling occurs without the use of fining or filtration, reflecting a commitment to patience and a methodical process akin to monastic discipline. The resulting wines speak eloquently, showcasing traditional expressions with balanced phenolics derived from meticulous farming practices. In short, these are simply well-judged wines of place—structured yet with fine extraction and harmony.
In recent years, Francesco has started to bottle outside of the appellation, feeling that the bureaucracy hinders true expressions of Montefalco.