“Habemus Etichetta Bianca” Rosso Lazio IGT 2023 · MAGNUM

San Giovenale | Latium
San Giovenale Agr. srl | Via Giuseppe Zanardelli 34 | IT 00186 Roma

10072223 · 1,5 l · 119,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping6 units available

The name was no coincidence. "Habemus" – we have it. The phrase that falls from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica when the cardinals have reached an agreement. Emanuele Pangrazi chose it deliberately: Viterbo, the capital of Tuscia, was itself a papal residence in the 13th century when Rome was too dangerous – when Rome was too dangerous. The same city, the same history, only the wine was different back then. Pangrazi set out to change that in 2006. The vineyards are located at 300 to 400 metres in Blera, on heavy, stony clay soils with southern exposure. No artificial fertilisers, no chemicals – only spring water and plant-based products. All vines are trained as Alberello, the bushy single vine training of the Mediterranean region, with 11,000 plants per hectare. The yield remains at 25 quintals – two small, loose grapes per vine, with thick skins and little pulp. Concentration as a natural principle.

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Tempranillo are harvested as single varieties, brought to the winery in 15-kilo crates, destemmed and cold-pressed within an hour of harvesting. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel for 15 days. Then 20 months in new French barriques. At least a further six months in the bottle. Marco Casolanetti is responsible for the oenology – no stranger to this: He is the man behind Kurni, the mythical Montepulciano from the Oasi degli Angeli. His signature is clear: maximum ripeness, lowest yields, a cellar that barely intervenes.

The result is a wine of almost black density in the glass – impenetrable, with violet reflections. The nose opens broadly: plum, black cherry, blackberry, then lavender, maquis, black pepper, cocoa and a fine balsamic note. Concentrated and warm on the palate, but not a heavy wall – a surprising freshness and salty minerality keep the mass moving. The tannins are ripe, almost silky; the finish is long, savoury and persistent. Lazio has many faces. This one urgently needs to be discovered. SUPERIORE.DE