Le Rogaie

Le Rogaie is a natural wine and olive oil producer located in the Maremma region of Tuscany, Italy. It's a young, small-scale project with a clear focus on sustainability and a minimalist winemaking approach.

History and Location

  • Location: The winery is situated in the Maremma area, near the town of Magliano in Toscana, in the province of Grosseto. This is a coastal part of Tuscany with a warmer climate, distinct from the more famous areas like Chianti or Montalcino.

  • Founding: Le Rogaie was established in 2019. It was founded by a family with a deep love for the Maremma, who aimed to integrate tradition with modern, sustainable practices.

  • Philosophy: The name "Le Rogaie" is a Tuscan term for "brambles," but it also evokes a sense of passion. The project is a small, harmonious whole that combines vineyards, olive groves, and wild Mediterranean vegetation.

Winemaking Philosophy

Le Rogaie's winemaking is a direct reflection of its commitment to sustainability and minimal intervention.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically, with a focus on preserving the land and biodiversity. They use no chemicals for treatment or fertilization, and even use horses to graze weeds. The vineyards are not irrigated.

  • Indigenous Grapes: The winery focuses on local varieties that are well-suited to the Maremma climate, primarily Sangiovese (the key grape of Morellino di Scansano) and Ciliegiolo.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their philosophy is to "let the wine make itself."

    • Spontaneous Fermentation: They use only indigenous yeasts for fermentation.

    • Concrete Vats: They age their wines in concrete vats, which they believe preserves a pure, clean taste without the influence of wood.

    • Minimal Intervention: The use of filtration, clarification, and sulfur is kept to a bare minimum.

  • Low Production: The winery is a micro-producer, making only around 10,000 bottles annually, which allows for meticulous attention to detail.

Notable Wines

Le Rogaie produces a small portfolio of wines that are authentic expressions of the Maremma terroir.

  • Morellino di Scansano: This is their signature red wine, a pure Sangiovese. Unlike many Morellino wines that can be very fruity and uncomplicated, Le Rogaie's version is known for retaining a good level of acidity and complexity, reflecting their early harvesting and careful winemaking.

  • Ciliegiolo: A red wine made from the native Ciliegiolo grape, which is known for its bright red fruit and elegant character.

  • Lupo Bianco: A white wine made from local white grapes, including Ansonica, Trebbiano, Vermentino, and Malvasia. It is known for its fresh, savory, and mineral character.