Enoteca Autoctono – i Vini Umani, Florence, Italy
Opened in 2024, Enoteca Autoctono – i Vini Umani* is a distinctive wine venue located in the historic Palazzo Rosselli del Turco on Via dei Serragli 17, Florence. The elegant yet understated enoteca offers a carefully curated selection of wines from small, dedicated producers across Italy. Its philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to authenticity, with a particular emphasis on wines crafted from indigenous grape varieties and old vines. The venue showcases traditional winemaking methods, aiming to highlight the purity, balance, and harmony that come from the land and the expertise of the winemaker.
The name "Autoctono," meaning native or indigenous, reflects the essence of the wines on offer – each bottle is an expression of its region, shaped by the land, the vines, and the hands of the winemaker. Most of the wines are made from single varietals or native grapes, showcasing the true terroir of their origins. The selection spans Italy’s diverse wine regions, from the northern hills of Piemonte to the sun-drenched islands of Sicily and Sardinia, presenting the rich and varied heritage of Italian winemaking.
Massimiliano Silano, the owner and curator of the enoteca, often speaks of the wisdom embodied in old vines: “Like the wisdom of old people, old vines are able to express a depth of character and a profound expression of cultural heritage in a glass of wine. These old vines, often planted in traditional trellis systems such as pergola or bush-trained vines, are crucial to producing wines with a unique character. Their deep roots, honed through decades of climate changes and human intervention, contribute to wines that tell the story of both the land and the modern winemaker’s craft, adding layers of complexity and richness that speak to the essence of the Italian landscape.”
“What does Autoctono aspire to be when it grows up?,” says Massimiliano, “The compass of the human geography of wines made from Italian native grape varieties. A guide to understanding the human essence behind the bottle, to drink harmoniously in tune with your own archetype.”
With 1200 labels from 170 wineries, Enoteca Autoctono represents a broad spectrum of Italy’s winemaking talent, from lesser-known small producers focused on organic and sustainable practices to artisanal winemakers specializing in rare indigenous varieties. Each producer is committed to crafting wines in the most authentic and handcrafted manner possible, ensuring that every bottle reflects the distinct personality of the vineyard and the winemaker’s philosophy.
The enoteca is more than just a wine bar; it is a space for education and engagement. Open by reservation only, visitors can enjoy intimate wine tastings, masterclasses, producer-led events, and wine-pairing dinners, immersing themselves in the world of authentic, handcrafted wines.
Set against the backdrop of the Palazzo Rosselli del Turco, with its stunning Renaissance architecture, Enoteca Autoctono provides an atmosphere as refined and full of character as the wines themselves, offering a unique journey into Italy’s rich winemaking history.
www.autoctono.wine/it
@autoctonowine.eco
* 'Vini Umani’ is a trademark used with the generous permission of Salvo Foti.
