Some wines are rare because they are expensive to make. This one is rare because it almost stopped existing altogether.

Vernaccia di Cannara is a red passito from the village of Cannara in central Umbria, built on Cornetta, a native grape that came close to disappearing during the twentieth century. It survived in private cellars, kept alive by families who made a few bottles each year for Easter and nothing else. Colle di Rocco is one of the producers who brought it back.

What it tastes like. Deep violet-red, slow in the glass. Blackberry, blackcurrant, violet on the nose, with quiet spice underneath. On the palate it does something unusual for a sweet wine: it stays dry. Firm tannins and lively acidity keep the sweetness in check, and the finish is clean, long, and fruit-driven. It does not cloy.

When to open it. In Umbria, the bottle comes out on Easter morning with cheese bread (torta al formaggio) and cured meats. For centuries it was used at Easter mass. Beyond that ritual, it holds its own with aged cheeses, dry pastries, and dark chocolate. Worth trying, against all expectations, with burrata.

Unfiltered. Any sediment is not a flaw.

Serving temperature: Serve at 10°C or room temperature.

grapes: Cornetta (85%), Sagrantino (5%), Merlot (5%), Sangiovese Grosso (5%)

harvest: 2024

naming: Vernaccia di Cannara, Colli Martani DOC

alcohol strenght: 16% Vol.

contents: 37,5 cl.

bottled at the source by Fagiano Rosso S.S. Agricola - Cannara (PG) - IT

contains sulfits

PRODUCED IN ITALY