Croci Italy - Natural Orange Wines & Winemaking in Emilia-Romagna

The History and Winemaking of Croci in Italy

The Croci winery, located in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, has been crafting unique natural wines for decades. Their philosophy of low intervention winemaking results in wines that capture the essence of the local terroir. In particular, their Valtolla line offers orange wines made from indigenous Italian grapes. Let's explore the story behind Croci, their winemaking techniques, and what makes their orange wines so special.

The Origins of Croci

Croci's history begins in 1965 when the Croci family purchased a property with old vines in Emilia-Romagna. This area of northern Italy is home to some of the country's finest wines. The family renovated the ancient cellars and vineyards on the estate. Their goal was to produce terroir-driven wines that showcase the Grapes of this region.

Today, Ciro Croci runs the estate with his son Matteo. They farm all their grapes organically and follow natural winemaking principles. Their vineyards contain indigenous varieties like Malvasia, Trebbiano, Barbera, and Bonarda. Many vines are very old, some over 100 years. The mineral-rich clay soils and Mediterranean climate provide an ideal environment for growing flavorful, concentrated fruit.

Traditional Orange Wine Production

Croci makes orange wines, or skin-contact white wines, with extended maceration on the grape skins. This winemaking style has ancient origins but is experiencing renewed popularity today. For their Valtolla line, Croci leverages traditional methods to create complex orange wines.

After harvest, the white grapes undergo fermentation on the skins for several weeks or months. This prolonged skin contact extracts color, tannins, and aromatic compounds from the grape skins. The wines take on an orange hue from the pigments and tannin absorption. However, the extended skin contact also gives the wines a round, textured mouthfeel.

Once the desired extraction level is reached, Croci presses the grapes and ages the wines in neutral vessels. This preserves the delicate aromatics. The wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined to retain their natural character. Minimal intervention allows the essence of the terroir to shine through.

Croci's Valtolla Orange Wine

The Valtolla Bianco is Croci's flagship orange wine. This cuvee blends Trebbiano with Malvasia and Marsanne. The Trebbiano provides acidity and structure, while the other varieties contribute aromatics and body. The grapes come from vines averaging 50-70 years old on south-facing slopes.

After harvest, the grapes ferment together on their skins for about six months. Regular hand punchdowns extract complexity and tannin structure during the process. After pressing, the Valtolla Bianco ages in neutral Slavonian oak barrels for one year before bottling. The result is an orange wine with concentration and intensity.

On the nose, the Valtolla Bianco offers up aromas of candied orange peel, honeycomb, and toasted nuts. These notes mingle with fresher citrus and stone fruit tones. In the mouth, flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and marmalade coat the palate. Its rounded, tannic body provides grip to balance the wine's opulence. The finish lingers with a hint of bottle age complexity.

Pairing Croci's Wines with Food

Thanks to their fuller body and texture, Croci's orange wines pair well with boldly flavored dishes. Their dry yet fruity profile provides a counterpoint to spicy foods. The tannic structure stands up to meaty textures. Some perfect pairings include:

• Seared duck breast with an orange glaze
• Pappardelle with wild boar ragu
• Grilled sausages with sautéed broccoli rabe
• Eggplant parmesan
• Aged, hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino

The natural acidity and inherent sweetness of these skin-contact wines also complements vegetable-focused plates. Croci's Valtolla Bianco would marry beautifully with roasted autumn squash topped with nuts and sage. For dessert, its apricot and orange peel notes pair delightfully with an almond cake.

The Appeal of Natural Italian Wines

Today's wine drinkers crave authenticity and wines with a sense of place. Interest has skyrocketed for natural wines like Croci's orange offerings. Their artisanal production and hands-off winemaking philosophy resonate with the natural wine movement.

Italy provides an ideal location for natural wine production. The country's long, rich winemaking history has preserved ancient vines and techniques. You can taste this history in every bottle. Combined with the excellent terroir, grapes like Trebbiano and Malvasia express themselves fully through natural winemaking.

Croci allows their vineyards and minimal intervention to guide their wines. Rather than manipulate the fruit's natural character, they coax it gently from grapes to bottle. This natural process creates live, textural wines that speak clearly of their origins.

The Future of Croci

Moving forward, Croci aims to preserve their natural approach while showcasing Emilia-Romagna's native grapes. Sustainable practices in both the cellar and vineyards will continue being paramount.

The winery plans to focus on white wines, particularly orange wines. Red varieties like Barbera and Bonarda will play a supporting role. Their experimentation will stress appassimento winemaking. This traditional method of drying grapes intensifies flavors.

Based on over 50 years of tradition, Croci is poised to bring Italian natural wines to new heights. Their terroir-driven offerings have already found acclaim among the natural wine community. As orange wine continues gaining popularity, Croci's Valtolla Bianco and other skin-contact wines will attract new enthusiasts globally. By staying true to their philosophy, Croci makes wines that authentically showcase this special pocket of northern Italy.

FAQs

What is an orange wine?

Orange wines are white wines that are produced like a red wine, with extended skin contact. The grape skins impart a golden-orange color, rounded texture, and tannic structure to the finished white wine.

What grapes are used in Croci's Valtolla Bianco orange wine?

Croci's Valtolla Bianco blends together Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Marsanne grapes that are grown in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The Trebbiano provides acidity and bones, while the Malvasia and Marsanne contribute aromatics and body.

How is Croci's Valtolla Bianco wine made?

After harvest, the Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Marsanne grapes ferment together on their skins for approximately 6 months. This extended skin contact extracts color, structure, and complexity. The wine is then aged in neutral oak barrels for 1 year before bottling.

What colors and aromas characterize Croci's Valtolla Bianco?

Despite being made from white grapes, the Valtolla Bianco takes on an orange color from skin contact. It offers aromas of orange peel, honeycomb, stone fruits, and nuts. In the mouth, it has a rounded, grippy texture.

What foods pair well with Croci's orange wines?

The fuller body and texture of Croci's Valtolla Bianco make it a great pairing for boldly flavored foods like duck breast, boar ragu pasta, grilled sausage, and hard aged cheeses. It also complements roasted vegetables.