Io Sto con i Lupi Marche Rosato IGT 2024

At 30, Nico Speranza left a corporate job in Milan to pursue winemaking in the countryside - a decision he says many are making these days. Set among the steep hills of Monsampietro Morico in Le Marche, the winery was founded by his grandfather, Domenico Speranza. Nico’s goal is to make “conscientious wine, the most natural way possible, without ulterior motives and shortcuts.” His cuvées are inspired by poets, often from Piedmont, and lyricists, such as Nick Cave, reflecting his poetic approach to winemaking. With an annual production of just a few thousand bottles, Nico's wines evolve each year, using local Le Marche varieties like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Pecorino, and Incrocio Bruni (Verdicchio-Sauvignon), as well as some Petit Verdot. Sustainability is key, with geothermal and solar energy powering the winery.

Harvested entirely by hand in small crates, the grapes are softly pressed after destemming. Before fermentation, the must is protected from oxidation using dry ice in a process known as hyper-reduction, preserving delicate aromatic compounds found in the skins. Fermentation takes place slowly at around 9°C over approximately 60 days, enhancing freshness and aromatic precision. The wine then spends 10 months ageing on its lees without added sulphur, gaining texture and complexity before a small addition is made at bottling. “Io Sto con i Lupi” (“I Stand with the Wolves”) reflects a philosophy of independence, instinct and respect for nature, expressed through minimal intervention winemaking and purity of fruit.

Fresh wild strawberry, cherry and pomegranate notes meet delicate floral hints and subtle spice. Bright acidity and gentle texture lead to a savoury, mineral finish with impressive freshness and purity.

Grilled prawns or seafood salads. Mediterranean vegetable dishes. Light pasta dishes with tomato or herbs

Bang in the middle of Central Eastern Italy, Le Marche sits somewhat unfairly in the shadows of its regional neighbours Tuscany and Umbria. With the beautiful Adriatic coast to the east and the rugged Apennine mountain range to the west it brings a range of soils, indigenous grapes and microclimates. Moving inland from the coastal chalk and limestone it boasts a number of DOC/DOCGS mixed between reds and (more numerous) whites. On the red side the ubiquitous Montepulcianco and Sangiovese dominate in wines like Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno whereas on the white side Pecorino, Bianchello, Passerina and certainly the star of the show Verdicchio, might even consider Le Marche their spiritual home.