Winemaker Andrea Occhipinti’s (no relation to Ariana Occhipinti) connection to the vineyards of Gradioli, in Lazio, began as an academic pursuit. The vineyards were the focus of his master’s thesis at the University of Tuscia. That early fascination turned into passion — shortly after finishing school he purchased four hectares of vines planted at roughly 1,500 feet on the slopes overlooking Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Situated just one hour north of Rome, the lake provides a unique microclimate that together with the mineral-rich soils, and Andrea’s objective to preserve and promote the local indigenous varietals —Aleatico and Grechetto Rosso — produce wines with the flavor of tradition and the effervescence of innovation. In fact, Andrea was the first winemaker in Italy to vinify Aleatico as a dry red, and he continues to push the boundaries of these local grapes, with a dry white expression of Aleatico currently in the works.