Pepite

Grapes

100% Vermentino from Tuscany.

Vinification

The Vermentino harvest takes place in two stages, beginning in the first half of September. A small initial lot is picked by hand and transported in crates. Whole bunches are manually crushed in a small vat to prepare a pied de cuve. After roughly three days, spontaneous fermentation driven by the grapes’ indigenous yeasts begins, and this starter is used to inoculate the remaining fruit.

The Italian account describes the remaining grapes as being placed in a vat with their stems and destemmed after five days; pump-overs are carried out during the early fermentation. After approximately five additional days with a raised cap, the wine is drained and the pomace pressed. Fermentation concludes in stainless-steel vats, followed by several rackings.

Bottling takes place at the end of January. The wine is unfiltered, and no sulphur is added during vinification or bottling.

Ageing

The English description gives five months in steel. The Italian description gives four months in steel, including three months on fine lees.

Technical data

IGT Costa Toscana Vermentino. Alcohol: 12.5% vol. Production: 6,600 bottles. Available in 0.75 L bottles.

Tasting profile

Amber with golden nuances. The nose evokes wild herbs, hay and yellow fruit. Dried apricot, ginger and honey emerge on the palate. The finish combines saline freshness with a light tannic note reminiscent of green tea. Its artisanal character brings a measured rusticity and a strong sense of place.