Roero Rosso 'Sanche' Stefano Occhetti 2023

With Rosso Roero 'Sanche', Stefano Occhetti creates his flagship label, a highly prestigious territorial expression identified by the recognition of the controlled and guaranteed designation of origin. It is an interpretation that refers to all the historicity of Nebbiolo in this region, from the ancient viticulture introduced by the Ligurians and most probably already by the Etruscans, to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
"Sanche' is the pure Nebbiolo that Stefano Occhetti produces from the single vineyard located in the commune of Vezza d'Alba. The additional geographical mention 'Sanche' draws a long, thin strip of land with an east-west orientation, made up of numerous different plots that rise between altitudes of 290 and 310 metres above sea level. The south-west-facing exposure presents significant slopes, while the soil expresses an essentially sandy composition: these are the peculiar characteristics of the calanchi region, the deep fissures dug by the ancient course of the Tanaro, before the river changed its itinerary, rich in marine fossils, due to the original alluvial formation. In line with the working method adopted in the field, the harvest is also carried out by hand, usually around mid-October, with picking into 20 kg crates. Quickly transported to the cellar, the grapes are pressed and left to ferment spontaneously by indigenous yeasts in French oak vats. The long submerged cap maceration lasts about 22 days, while the malolactic fermentation is carried out in wood. Ageing is in French oak barrels and involves a patient wait of 20 months.
Stefano Occhetti's Roero Rosso 'Sanche' announces itself through an intense ruby red colour. Its aromas are elegant and introduced by the floral of rose petal and the pungent fruitiness of raspberry, then veering towards darker spicy nuances and hints of dried herbs. The pronounced tannic texture underlines a beautifully structured mouthfeel, balanced by warm, enveloping notes, completed by a fresh, lingering finish reminiscent of fruit and earth.