It has been quite some time since we have had a shipment from Gianmarco and Clementine of Le Coste so we are just a little bit excited about this arrival.
The pair tend around 14 hectares of land, with vineyards amongst a warren of olive groves, chestnut trees, shrubs and oaks. Sat around the volcanic Lake Bolsena near Gianmarco’s childhood town of Gradoli in Lazio’s north, the region’s soils are rich in irons and minerals.
Vines are planted at a density of up to 10,000 plants per hectare and many are ungrafted. Everything is done by hand, with careful attention to the needs of each plant and while some biodynamic principles are employed, the approach here goes above and beyond.
Each year they produce a dizzying number of different wines which are vinified in an ancient cellar in the village’s centre, bottled unfiltered with no additions at all. The resulting wines are some of the purest, most delicious we have tried. We have just received the following wines from the wonderful 2013 vintage, which those in the trade can taste at the Vault Tastings on Monday March 16th.
Le Coste, Bianchetto 2013 (magnums available)
From younger vines, this is a blend of Procanico, Malvasia and Moscato that spends a little time on skins and is raised in fibreglass vats. Lively, pure-fruited and fun, it is one to ride the cusp of spring.
Le Coste, Bianco 2013 (magnums available)
This is Procanico, Malvasia and a swag of heirloom varietals from older vines up to 40 years old. It sees enough time on skins to lend wonderful flesh and grip and is aged for one year in botti. Persistent and precise with a wonderful structure, we look forward to watching this bloom over the next few months.
Le Coste, Rosato 2013 (magnums available)
This is a remarkable Rosato. From a plot of 50 year old Aleatico vines some 500 metres above sea level, the perfumed, delicate fruit the guys picked this year led to them just doing a direct press. The free-run juice was wild fermented and aged for 10 months in old barriques. The resulting wine is of a peachy hue with texture and detail which bely it’s beautiful colour.
Le Coste, Rosso di Gaetano 2013
A blend dominated by younger vines of Sangiovese. Aged in old wood, it is straight up juicy and pure, once opened a bottle won’t last long. Perhaps the perfect wine to accompany your first barbecue of 2015.
Le Coste, Rosso 2013
This one sees fifty year old Greghetto shack up with Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, Colorino and Vaiano. Fermented on skins for three weeks and aged in old botti of Slavonian oak and chestnut this is compact and elegant, with real drive.