Andrea Occhipinti

Lazio

Andrea Occhipinti is a passionate winemaker and a key figure in the revival of ancient winemaking traditions in the Lazio region of Italy. Inspired by his deep love for his homeland, he embarked on a mission to preserve and champion the indigenous grape varieties that were on the brink of extinction. His winery, founded in 2004, is a testament to his dedication to organic farming, low-intervention winemaking, and the expression of his unique volcanic terroir.

A Philosophy of Tradition and Rebirth

Andrea’s philosophy is rooted in a profound respect for the history and heritage of his region. He believes that the ancient grape varieties of Lazio, grown on volcanic soils, produce wines of unparalleled character and purity.

  • Reviving Indigenous Grapes: His primary mission is the preservation of local grapes like Aleatico, which were once widely planted but have since fallen out of favor. He is a key advocate for these forgotten varietals.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically, with a focus on creating a balanced and healthy ecosystem. He avoids all chemical herbicides and pesticides, allowing the vines to thrive naturally.

  • Low Intervention: In the cellar, his approach is as hands-off as possible. He uses native yeasts for fermentation and avoids fining and filtration, letting the wines express their natural character.

  • Minimal Sulfur: His wines are made with very little or no added sulfur dioxide (SO2​), ensuring a pure and unadulterated expression of the fruit.

The Vineyards and Terroir

Andrea's vineyards are located on the volcanic slopes of Lake Bolsena, a unique and ancient terroir.

  • Location: The vineyards are situated near the village of Gradoli, in the Lazio region of central Italy.

  • Vineyard Area: A small, personal domaine of around 5 hectares.

  • Grape Varieties: His main focus is on Aleatico, a red grape, and Grechetto, a white grape. He also works with other local grapes to create his blends.

  • Volcanic Soils: The terroir is dominated by ancient volcanic soils that are rich in minerals. This unique soil composition gives his wines a distinctive savory, mineral-driven character and a beautiful freshness.

Winemaking and Process

Andrea’s winemaking is a careful and precise process that honors the traditions of his region.

  • Harvest: All grapes are hand-harvested to ensure their integrity.

  • Vinification: He uses concrete tanks for fermentation, which helps to maintain a stable temperature. For his red wines, he often uses whole-cluster fermentation and short macerations to preserve the vibrant fruit and elegance of the Aleatico grape.

  • Aging: The wines are aged for several months, often in concrete tanks, to develop complexity and natural stability before being bottled.

Signature Wines to Discover

Andrea Occhipinti's wines are known for their vibrant fruit, aromatic complexity, and a distinct mineral character that reflects their volcanic terroir.

  • Alea Viva: A pure Aleatico that showcases the grape's bright red fruit, floral aromas, and delicate structure. It is a far cry from the sweet style of Aleatico often found in the region.

  • Rosso Arcaico: A red blend that highlights the character of his terroir.

  • Aleatico de Gradoli: Another pure Aleatico cuvée.

Address & Contact

Andrea Occhipinti's winery is a small, personal operation. Visits are by appointment only.

  • Address: Località Vini, 01010 Gradoli (VT), Italy.