Andrea Occhipinti
Andrea Occhipinti, Sottobanco, Vino Bianco, Lazio, Grechetto, 2023
Andrea Occhipinti is a famed natural wine maker in Lazio in Italy, he has no relation to the wine making Occipinti’s in Sicily but is also super talented and his wines are amazing. This is his Sottobanco, which in Italian translates to “under the table” and even though it's labeled as a white wine, it's actually a skin contact wine. Andrea is based in an area of Lazio that surrounds Lake Bolsena which is a massive volcanic lake. When it comes to wine, Volcanic influence is like icing on the cake- it adds amazing layers and secondary notes to not only the nose but palate of a wine. This wine blew me away!! Its salty, fresh, apricots and ripe Melon…its got color, looks like an intense orange wine in the glass but drinks like a fresh aromatic dream. I love this wine highlights Grechetto– it's a grape that is not commonly seen or consumed. It’s a varietal that is true to Lazio, and this is very important to Andrea who champions what is indigenous to his region. Grechetto has Greek origins and is not often found alone, is commonly blended with grapes like chardonnay or malvasia. It can be rich and intense, I think applying skin contact on this wine plus the volcanic influence has created something truly magical!
Serving temp: Fridge cold!
Pairing: lobster or crab risotto; something with saffron in it; ratatouille!