Ampeleia Alicante Nero 2022

Ampeleia Alicante Nero 2022 is a vibrant expression of coastal Tuscany, crafted from a once-forgotten native grape of the Upper Maremma. Light in colour yet full of character, it offers a refined, Mediterranean take on red wine that favours elegance over power. Revived by Ampeleia in 2003, Alicante Nero has become one of the estate’s signature treasures, celebrated for its authenticity and sense of place.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Ampeleia Alicante Nero 2022 shows a luminous, translucent ruby hue, slightly lighter than many Tuscan reds yet immediately inviting. The nose is delicate but complex, with aromas of wild red berries, pomegranate, and sour cherry layered over notes of dried Mediterranean herbs, rose petals, and a gentle hint of spice and earth. On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied, with a fresh, juicy core of red fruit and an almost saline, coastal lift. Fine, silky tannins and vibrant acidity give it a graceful, flowing texture, while subtle savoury undertones—dried herbs, a touch of tea leaf, and mineral hints from the stony soils—add depth and intrigue. This is a wine meant to be enjoyed for its purity and energy rather than weight, drinking beautifully in its youth but with the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 4–6 years, gaining additional complexity and softness.

Production
The Alicante Nero grapes for this wine come from Ampeleia’s “La Pieve” vineyards in Maremma, a coastal corner of Tuscany where Mediterranean breezes and abundant sunlight shape a distinctly fresh yet sun-kissed style. The vines grow on clay-rich soils laced with pebbles and ancient conglomerates, which naturally temper vigour and contribute to the wine’s light, harmonious character. Harvest is carried out by hand to ensure careful selection of bunches at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, Ampeleia favours a gentle, minimalist approach: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, subtle extraction to preserve delicacy, and maturation in neutral vessels (such as cement or large, used oak) that respect the grape’s perfume and finesse rather than imposing heavy oak influence.

Food & Serving
Ampeleia Alicante Nero 2022 is a versatile food wine that shines with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Its bright acidity and delicate tannins make it a natural match for grilled or roasted vegetables, tomato-based pastas, charcuterie, and lighter meat dishes such as roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or herb-crusted lamb. It also pairs beautifully with tuna steaks, grilled octopus, and flavorful vegetarian dishes featuring beans, lentils, or mushrooms. Serve at 14–16°C, slightly cooler than a typical full-bodied red, to emphasise freshness and aromatic lift. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes can help the wine open up, but it is equally charming poured directly from the bottle, especially in its youthful vintage.

Producer
Ampeleia is a forward-thinking estate in Tuscany’s Maremma region, born from a vision of crafting authentic, terroir-driven wines with a strong sense of place. Founded in the early 2000s by a group of like-minded winegrowers, including the influential Elisabetta Foradori, the winery has been a pioneer in reintroducing and championing lesser-known native varieties such as Alicante Nero. Farming is conducted organically and biodynamically, with a deep respect for biodiversity and the surrounding landscape. Over the past two decades, Ampeleia has earned a reputation as one of coastal Tuscany’s most exciting producers, known for elegant, soulful wines that showcase the nuance and beauty of the Maremma rather than sheer power.

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