Romagna Centesimino 2023 Ancarani

Romagna Centesimino 2023 Oriolo DOC – Ancarani Winery

Overview

The Romagna Centesimino 2023 Oriolo DOC from Ancarani Winery is a deeply expressive red wine that captures the soul of Faenza’s rolling hills. It comes from the rare Centesimino grape, a native variety that thrives on the sandy, mineral-rich soils of Oriolo dei Fichi. This wine embodies the artisanal philosophy of the estate — craftsmanship, respect for nature, and an honest reflection of Romagna’s heritage. The result is a refined and distinctive red, full of personality, freshness, and balance, offering both depth and elegance in every sip.

History

The Centesimino grape is a historic Romagna variety that was almost lost until a few passionate growers revived it. Among them, Claudio Ancarani played a crucial role in preserving its identity and expression. Cultivated for decades on the Oriolo hills, Centesimino is known for its aromatic intensity, floral tones, and persistent bouquet. The 2023 vintage benefited from a balanced climate, producing grapes with excellent maturity and vibrant acidity — a perfect harmony that defines this elegant and characterful wine.

Vineyard Philosophy

Harvesting is done by hand, selecting only the finest clusters at full ripeness. The vineyards rest on sandy, mineral-rich soils that lend freshness and finesse to the wine. Farming follows organic and sustainable principles, avoiding herbicides and chemical treatments. Claudio and Rita focus on maintaining the natural vitality of the vines and soil, ensuring the fruit reflects its true origin. Each decision in the vineyard is guided by intuition, tradition, and deep respect for the living ecosystem that surrounds their vines.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, the Centesimino 2023 is vinified with traditional skin maceration for about 20 days, using indigenous yeasts to enhance its natural aroma. After a gentle pressing not exceeding 1.3 bar, the wine ages three months on natural lees, followed by ten months in cement tanks. This process allows for natural clarification and stable evolution without filtration. The absence of oak emphasizes the purity of fruit, minerality, and texture, preserving the authentic voice of the grape and its terroir.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep ruby red with garnet highlights, vibrant and clear.
Nose: Floral and fruity, revealing rose petals, wild berries, and light spice tones.
Palate: Fresh, enveloping, and persistent, with fine tannins and a dry, saline finish that enhances drinkability. Its elegant structure and balance make it a true expression of Romagna’s craftsmanship.

Food Pairing

Perfect with traditional Italian dishes such as tagliatelle with ragù, grilled red meats, lamb, or aged cheeses. Its refined freshness also complements cured meats and savory pasta recipes. Serve slightly below room temperature to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and smooth texture.

Technical Sheet

• Denomination: Romagna Oriolo DOC

• Vintage: 2023

• Type: Red Wine

• Grape Variety: Centesimino

• Production Area: Oriolo dei Fichi (Faenza)

• Vinification: Skin maceration with indigenous yeasts for about 20 days

• Aging: 3 months on lees, 10 months in cement tanks

• Alcohol Content: 13% vol.

• Serving Temperature: 18–20 °C

• Harvest: Manual, cluster selection

• Contains sulfites

Ancarani Winery

History

The Ancarani Winery rises among the gentle hills of Oriolo dei Fichi, near Faenza, in the very heart of Romagna’s wine-growing area. Its story began in the 1960s, when the Ancarani family started cultivating vines with deep respect for the land and its rhythms. Today, Claudio Ancarani and Rita Babini continue this heritage, turning traditional farming into a project of artisanal winemaking. Over time, the estate has become a benchmark for those who seek honest wines — true reflections of Romagna’s terroir and character. The goal is not to follow trends, but to preserve authenticity and express tradition through every bottle.

Vineyard Philosophy

In the vineyard, Ancarani follows a philosophy centered on respect for biodiversity and natural balance. Only native Romagna grape varieties are cultivated — Sangiovese, Albana, Famoso, and Centesimino — each thriving in the estate’s sandy, Pleistocene-era soils. The vineyards are managed according to organic principles, with minimal intervention and entirely manual work. Claudio and Rita believe that great wine can only come from healthy, living soil, where every vine grows in harmony with its environment.

Approach in the Cellar

In the cellar, Ancarani’s approach is guided by a desire to express the true character of each vintage. The grapes are hand-harvested and vinified using artisanal methods, with indigenous yeasts and minimal use of sulfites. The wines are authentic and pure, shaped by tradition yet alive with contemporary sensitivity. Aging takes place slowly, often in large barrels, with no technological manipulation. Every bottle becomes a sincere expression of Romagna’s identity and soul.

Vision and Territory

For Claudio and Rita, wine is more than a product — it is a cultural expression of place and people. Ancarani’s philosophy emphasizes ethics, sustainability, and transparency. The estate focuses on quality over quantity, producing wines that speak honestly of their origin. Today, Ancarani stands as a symbol of authentic, independent winemaking, embodying the modern spirit of Romagna’s rural heritage.