Ranchelle – Millocchio Rosso 2017

Ranchelle’s 2017 Millocchio Rosso is a blend of Alicante, Ciliegiolo, Sangiovese, Mammolo, Malvasia Nera and Pugnitello, from 60-year-old vines planted on shale with silt and clay at 350 metres altitude. After a manual harvest, the grapes were destemmed, crushed and loaded into open-topped oak vats, where they macerated with their skins for three weeks. Fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts, without additions. After pressing, the wine aged 10 months in oak tonneaux. It was then bottled unfiltered and unfined, with no sulphites added, and aged a further 6 months.

Ranchelle’s 2017 Millocchio Rosso has a deep, ruby-red color with a slightly funky, earthy nose, filled with aromas of wild cherries, Mediterranean undergrowth, cured meat and a hint of smoke. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, fresh and structured, with polished tannins and notes of tart red and black fruit, warm spices and herbs. Pairs perfectly with red sauce pasta, especially spaghetti bolognese, or pizza.

About Ranchelle

Located in the Maremma – a coastal area in southern Tuscany, halfway between Florence and Rome – a small winery is keeping the region’s rich viticultural heritage alive. Wine has been made here since the time of the Etruscans, but many of its indigenous grapes have almost disappeared or have been replaced by popular international varieties. Ranchelle, a small, four-hectare estate, was started in 2014 with the aim of preserving native grapes like Procanico and Nocchianello and showcasing their potential, by following the method of natural winemaking. Their wines are sincere expressions of Maremma’s ancient terroir.