Annesanti

“I make wines in steel or in amphora. No wood. No compromises. I make 100% Umbrian Barbera (rosé and red but without sulphites!), 100% Pecorino (indigenous to this area), 100% Sangiovese, 100% Grechetto, 100% Trebbiano Spoletino, 100% Pinot Nero, a pet nat made with the refermentation along with the stems, and some old-way rural blends. I only produce a little less than 25,000 bottles.

I have two lines of wine, the classic one and the one made in amphora. Both of them are made in a natural way without additives or clarifications. I work by myself in the vineyard and in the cellar. My wines are literally handmade because they are all harvested by hand in boxes, I punch down the cap using my own hands only while fermenting and I put all the labels with manual labeler. This old fashioned way of a winemaking takes way more time and energy but the result is really worth it. I’m really proud of the fine authentic wines that represent me as a person and the land where I grew up. I will be satisfied when I will be able to make you feel, when you open one of my bottles, the smell of the earth at sunset in spring.” -Francesco Annesanti; Zev Rovine

About the Winemaker

Annesanti

Francesco Annesanti's passion for winemaking is deeply rooted in his Umbrian heritage and childhood lessons from his grandfather, shaping his commitment to biodynamic farming and artisanal winemaking. With vineyards boasting vines up to 50 years old, Francesco meticulously crafts wines that express the unique terroir of Valnerina. Working solely on his family's estate, Francesco produces limited quantities of Barbera, Pecorino, Sangiovese, Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino, Pinot Nero, and pet nat, showcasing the diverse potential of the region. His hands-on approach extends from manual harvesting to fermentation and labeling, resulting in authentic wines that capture the essence of his land and upbringing. Through his wines.

The Region

Umbria, Italy

Natural wine production in Umbria, Italy, is a celebration of the region's ancient winemaking traditions and its stunning natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria is characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and historic hilltop towns. Here, native grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Grechetto thrive in the region's diverse microclimates, producing wines of exceptional quality and character. Natural winemakers in Umbria are deeply rooted in the land, practicing organic and biodynamic farming methods to nurture healthy vineyards and preserve the region's biodiversity. In the cellar, they employ minimalist techniques, favoring spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and minimal sulfur usage to allow the true expression of the grapes to shine through. The resulting wines are vibrant, expressive, and full of personality, with a sense of place that reflects the unique terroir of Umbria. Whether enjoyed with hearty Umbrian cuisine or savored on their own, natural wines from this enchanting region offer a taste of Italy's winemaking heritage and the promise of discovery with every sip.