MONTE DI GRAZIA
Amalfi coast - campania
The other Hill of Grace! At the core of this incredible, tiny operation deep in the mountains of the Amalfi coast are 120 year old, ungrafted vines. These 2.7 hectares of hyper local varieties (Pepella, Ginestra and Bianca Tenera for whites and Tintore di Tramonti with Piedirosso for red) have been held by Alfonso Arpino and his family for longer than anyone can remember. Yields are miniscule, soils volcanic/red clay and farming organic in practice. The wines are unique; high in acid, expressive and free from convention. They speak poetically of rural Campania with its rugged mountains, verdant valleys, fresh sea breezes and rustic porchetta rolls from the servo.
THE WINES
Monte di Grazia Campania IGT Bianco
Sea spray, citrus pith and coastal purity, this ancient vine wine comes in at an extremely lunch-friendly 10% ABV. Monte di Grazie's Bianco is made from 30-120+ year old vines planted pergola style across terraces at 450-600m. The grapes? Ginestra, Biancatenera and Pepella - ancient rarities specific to the rugged, salty hills of Amalfi.
Monte di Grazia Rosso Campania IGT Rosso
A red blend of Tintore (Tintore di Tramonti to be precise: a unique biotype found just within Monte di Grazia's tiny vineyards) and Piedirosso from very old vines in rugged hills of the Amalfi coast. Aged solely in stainless steel, the bottle age works wonderfully, offering a rare experience in Italian wine - proper, old style, country-side material that is still fruity and fresh.
"The nose on the 2015 Monte di Grazia is incredibly fresh yet also packed with zesty bright red berry fruits, as citrus-inspired floral tones and hints of wild herbs come together, creating a lifted expression. On the palate, soft textures are contrasted by tart red and black fruits, as vibrant acids make the mouth water, giving life to spicy inner floral tones. The finish is long yet buzzing, with energy and freshness, resonating on savory herbs, bright red fruits, and hints of fine tannin. This is already so easy to like, yet it will coast effortlessly for ten years or more in the cellar." - Eric Guido, Vinous
Monte di Grazia ‘Spurtiglione’ Campania IGT Bianco
'Spurtigilione' stands for bat in the local dialect and is made of the same blend of white grapes as Monte di Grazia's 'Bianco', yet with 5 days skin contact (it is still vertical and focused, not heavy and dry). There is more flesh and softness here with delicate apricot, white floral jasmine washes and light texture from the short maceration. Harmony, balance and singularity. Only 1000 bottles made!? Privileged, we are.
Monte di Grazia ‘Melogna’ Campania IGT Rosso
Melogna' means badger in local dialect and is a field blend of 60% Piedirosso, 30% Tintore di Tramonti, 4% Moscio, 3% Olivella, and 3% Sciascinoso from a 0.3ha pergola grown plot at 600m, planted 30 years ago. A sappy, crisp and old school (but clean!) red whose red fruits dazzle and zip along currents of electrifying acidity. A wine for lovers of originality, Italian vinous history and racy, brisk wine styles. Thrilling.
Monte di Grazia Grappa di Tintore di Tramonti
Miniscule production grappa from the, historic farm 'Monte di Grazia' in the mountains above Amalfi. Local artisan distiller 'Amato Liquori' takes care of production using the fresh pomace of Tintore di Tramonti grape.
FURTHER READING
To read more about Monte di Grazia follow the links below:
https://www.bowlerwine.com/producer/monte-di-grazia
https://www.positanonews.it/2009/05/campanias-120-year-old-vines-monte-di-grazia-amalfi-coast/3248/