Altura Ansonaco Toscana Maremma 2021 1.5L

Altura Ansonaco IGT Toscana Maremma 2021 (1.5L Magnum)

This is a rare and captivating orange wine from Vigneto Altura, produced by Francesco Carfagna on the tiny Isola del Giglio (part of the Tuscan Archipelago, falling under the broader Maremma Toscana IGT). Made from 100% Ansonaco (the local name for Ansonica/Inzolia), an ancient grape variety nearly extinct elsewhere but traditionally grown on the island.

The vines grow on steep, terraced, granitic-sandy soils overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, farmed organically (with only copper and sulfur) and harvested by hand in extreme conditions. It's a skin-contact wine (macerated, though duration varies by vintage), fermented spontaneously with native yeasts, unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal or no added sulfites. The result is a natural, "alive" wine that expresses intense island character.

• Color: Deep golden to amber/orange, often intense and slightly hazy.
• Aromas and flavors: Ripe stone fruits (apricot, peach), honey, Mediterranean herbs (macchia scrub), citrus (blood orange), white pepper, smoky/mineral notes, sea salt, and ozone from the marine influence.
• Style: Full-bodied, textural, robust, and tannic — often described as one of the "biggest" orange wines due to thick skins and dry climate. The alcohol (11-14%), demanding and structured; it behaves more like a red than a typical white.
• Food pairings: Aged cheeses, hearty seafood, white or red meats, or bold Mediterranean dishes. Serve slightly chilled (12-16°C).
• Aging potential: Improves with time; some vintages were initially high in volatiles but evolved beautifully after 5+ years.

The 2021 vintage comes in magnum (1.5L) format, ideal for slower aging and sharing. 

This wine is a cult favorite among natural wine lovers for its authenticity, terroir expression, and the heroic story of reviving abandoned island vineyards.