San Giovenale Habemus Etichetta Nera 2022

San Giovenale Habemus Etichetta Nera 2022 is a powerful, small-production Grenache from the wild hills of northern Lazio, crafted in the spirit of top southern Rhône wines but with a distinctly Italian soul. This is the estate’s flagship red, known for its depth, intensity and almost cult-like following among collectors. Old-vine Grenache, very low yields and meticulous cellar work combine to create a wine that showcases just how serious and ageworthy Lazio reds can be.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Habemus Etichetta Nera 2022 is deeply concentrated, with a dark ruby core and vibrant violet rim, hinting at both richness and youthful energy. The nose is opulent and layered: ripe black cherry, macerated raspberry and wild strawberry are interwoven with notes of sweet spices, licorice, Mediterranean scrub, violet and a touch of fine dark chocolate and cedar from its time in oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, dense and velvety, with an impressive combination of richness and freshness. Succulent red and black berry fruit meets graphite, garrigue herbs, black pepper and a subtle savory, almost smoky mineral edge. The tannins are ripe and finely grained, giving structure without harshness, while a vibrant acidity keeps the wine lifted and long on the finish. Although already seductive in its youth, the concentration and balance suggest excellent aging potential; properly cellared, this 2022 should evolve beautifully over 10–15 years, gaining complexity and tertiary notes of leather, dried herbs and truffle.

Production
San Giovenale’s estate vineyards lie in the rolling hills of northern Lazio, on a mix of clay-limestone and volcanic soils that lend both richness and minerality to the grapes. The site benefits from good altitude and strong diurnal shifts, as well as cooling breezes that help preserve aromatic purity and natural acidity in this sun-loving Grenache. Yields are kept deliberately low, and harvesting is done by hand, with strict bunch selection both in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit makes it into the final blend. Fermentation typically occurs with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled vessels, with an extended maceration on the skins to extract color, flavor and fine tannins. The wine is then aged in carefully chosen French oak barriques and tonneaux, a proportion of them new, allowing the wood to frame the fruit rather than dominate it, before a further period of bottle rest prior to release to ensure integration and harmony.

Food & Serving
This is a richly textured, gastronomic red that shines alongside equally bold, flavorful dishes. Think slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary, roasted venison or wild boar, grilled ribeye, spicy Italian sausages, or hearty ragù-based pastas and lasagne. It also pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses such as Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano or mature farmhouse cheddar. Serve at 16–18°C; if opened young, decant for 1–2 hours to allow the aromatics to fully unfurl and the tannins to soften. In its youth it can handle robust, richly seasoned cuisine; as it ages and gains nuance, it becomes an excellent partner for more refined game dishes and earthy, mushroom-driven plates.

Producer
San Giovenale is a relatively young but highly regarded estate in Lazio, founded with the clear ambition of proving that this often-overlooked region can produce world-class red wines. Working from a single, meticulously farmed hillside vineyard, the winery focuses on Mediterranean varieties—above all Grenache—interpreted through a modern, artisanal lens. Sustainable, low-intervention viticulture and a rigorous selection philosophy underpin everything they do, resulting in extremely limited quantities and consistently high quality. Habemus, and especially the Etichetta Nera, has become one of the most talked-about reds in central Italy, helping to redefine Lazio’s reputation and earning critical acclaim and a loyal following among serious wine lovers and collectors.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.