Cantina Altarocca, Emiliano Sirchia

	Umbria, Italy. (Town of Orvieto) 11 hectares.
	Cantina Altarocca. (cahn-TEE-nah ahl-tah-ro-kah)
	Emiliano Sirchia. (ee-MEE-lea-ah-noh SEER-chea)
	Maurilio Chioccia. (mau-REEL-yo KYOH-cha)
	Hand-harvested. No irrigation. Non-certified organic.
	5,400 cases.
	Cantina Altarocca has been part of the Small Vineyards family since 2010.

Orvieto is one of the beautiful locales in all of Italia, and Cantina Altarocca just may be the crown jewel of this historic hilltop. With one of Italia’s most beloved and picturesque hotels, Altarocca is an aesthete’s delight; set in a rich color palate of dark, asperous earth, deep-green vines, gentle sage, and blue sky, the villas are sprinkled about, connected by sunwarmed cobblestones.

First and foremost, however, Altarocca, or “high rock,” is a vineyard. Specializing in lush, international varietal wines, this estate delivers surprising–if not shocking–character from familiar grapes, with both authenticity and polish. Owner and winemaker Emiliano Sirchio, a young man with a zest for life, races motorcycles, bicycles (basically, anything on two wheels), and along with his family, manages the gorgeous hotel and even more impressive vineyard. Not to be confused with a tired, rustic Umbrian estate, or (if you’ll pardon the expression) a “ratings chaser” from Bolgheri, Altarocca is a confident, modern estate with deep roots in one of Central Italy’s most historic places. A “bucket list” place to visit, with wines worthy of savoring.