Producer
Macchia
Macchia (also sold as Vermouth Macchia Mediterraneo) is an Italian producer based in Sardinia offering a range inspired by the Mediterranean maquis: flavored vermouths (including the Rosso al Mirto and the Bianco Maestrale) and a gin characterized by island botanicals.
- Olbia · Sardinia · Italy
- Since 2015
- 3 products
The story
The project was conceived by Emilio Rocchino. According to local articles, in 2015 Rocchino created the company known as 'Macchia mediterranea' in Olbia (Sardinia), starting with a red vermouth based on myrtle; later the Bianco Maestrale and a gin version were introduced. Production is carried out using external distilleries and artisanal processes with a strong focus on Sardinian territory.
Production philosophy
To express the territory and biodiversity of the Mediterranean maquis: use of local and foraged botanicals, references to island wines (e.g. Moscato di Sardegna, Vermentino) and recipes that combine vermouth tradition with Mediterranean character.
Territory
Sardinia (island, Mediterranean maquis); activity linked to the scents and botanicals of the Sardinian territory.
Production method
Gin: distillation of the botanicals (distillation of island juniper berries is mentioned). Vermouth: botanicals macerated/infused individually in alcohol, then blended with a wine base (e.g. Moscato di Sardegna and white wines) and left to rest in stainless-steel tanks for several months before bottling.
Distillation
For the gin the distillation of botanicals is mentioned (retailer technical sheets indicate steam distillation). For the vermouth the botanicals are infused separately in alcohol and then blended with the wine base.
Ageing
For vermouth: maturation/maceration in stainless-steel tanks for 3–5 months and an additional rest in bottle before commercialisation. Gin: no ageing reported.
Characteristics
- Type
- Producer
- City
- Olbia
- Categories
- Mediterranean vermouth
- Sardinian gin
- Vermouth al Mirto
- flavored liqueurs/aperitifs
- Raw materials
- juniper berries
- myrtle (berries and leaves)
- wine (Moscato di Sardegna; also the use of white wines such as Vermentino/Cortese in some products)
- herbs and spices of the Mediterranean maquis (helichrysum, wild fennel, rosemary, oregano, etc.)
- neutral alcohol for infusion/distillation
- Representative products
- Gin Macchia Selvaggio 70cl
- Vermouth Bianco Maestrale 75cl Macchia
- Vermouth Rosso Al Mirto 75cl Macchia
What makes it distinctive
- Products inspired by the Mediterranean maquis and Sardinian botanicals.
- Vermouth Rosso 'Al Mirto' with a Moscato di Sardegna wine base; ABV indicated 18% on technical sheet.
- Gin Macchia Selvaggio available in a 70 cl bottle with an ABV around 45% (retailer data: 45–45.5%).
- Founder: Emilio Rocchino; artisanal production with botanicals often foraged on the island.
