Mario Macciocca Monocromo #3 Rosato 2022

Mario Macciocca is a celebrated natural wine producer based in the Lazio region of Italy, near the historic town of Piglio. His estate is situated in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, where vineyards thrive on volcanic and limestone-rich soils. This unique terroir and the cooling mountain breezes provide the ideal environment for cultivating indigenous grape varieties.

Macciocca focuses on reviving and showcasing Lazio's traditional grapes, particularly Cesanese, a red varietal known for its aromatic complexity and elegant structure. His vineyards are farmed biodynamically, emphasizing biodiversity and sustainable practices. In the cellar, Mario adheres to minimal intervention: fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts, and his wines are unfiltered, unfined, and made with little to no added sulfites.

Lazio, also known as Latium, is a central Italian wine region renowned for its ancient winemaking heritage, which dates back to Etruscan times. The area is predominantly recognized for its white wines, especially from grape varieties like Malvasia and Trebbiano, which are used to produce well-known wines such as Frascati and Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone. These wines are typically light, crisp, and meant to be consumed young. The region's geography varies from volcanic hills to fertile plains, providing a diverse terroir that supports viticulture. The volcanic soils, in particular, enrich the wines with a complex mineral profile.

Despite its historical legacy, Lazio's wines have remained relatively obscure on the international market compared to other Italian regions. However, there is a growing interest in the region's red wines, including Cesanese, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano varieties. These reds are known for their depth and ability to age well. Lazio also benefits from a Mediterranean climate influenced by the Tyrrhenian Sea, which moderates temperatures, allowing for a longer growing season.