Tucked away in Valnerina, a picturesque valley in Umbria on the river Nera, Annesanti is trail-blazing wine production as the area’s sole producer. Taking control of his family’s poly-cultural farm in 2014, Francesco Annesanti has since expanded the vineyard holdings from four to seven hectares, implemented organic and biodynamic farming principles and stayed focused on local varieties. His wines are full of character, freshness and purity, clearly demonstrating both his skill as a producer and his region’s potential for high quality grape growing. Working with a mix of stainless steel, demijohn and amphora, Francesco authentically captures his terroir, in turn drawing in serious international markets – quite a feat from a vinously unknown, rural nook. The initial lures are his extraordinary Trebbiano Spoletino-led amphora bottlings, yet the whole range delivers immensely enjoyable, textured and distinctive drinking.

“My goal is to demonstrate the new and unique terroir of Valnerina, through biodynamic farming, like my grandfather taught me when I was a kid. Some of the vines I train are about 50 years old and spectacular to see, some I planted more recently when I realised that my real ambition in life was winemaking. I’m not a guy who had money from his family and invested in wine for a hobby or second job. Wine is my only occupation. The vineyards are mine and the cellar was born in my grandfather’s stable.”

— Francesco Annesanti