A Vita Calabria il Rosso

A new wine for ‘A Vita (although it was made once before, in the 2012 vintage), the ‘il Rosso’ is 92% Gaglioppo (from the hillside vineyards of Sant’Anastasia and Muzzunetto, at 100m asl) and 8% Magliocco (from the seaside vineyard Fego, at 0m).  Both sites have typical clay-limestone marls. Harvest is in late September at yield of 4000-6000kg/ha (around 28-42 hl/ha). The grapes are co-fermented spontaneously, with a brief maceration of 36 hours.  The addition of a little Magliocco has historic precedent in the area, as it softens Gaglioppo’s notorious tannins and stabilizes its feeble color a bit.

Aging is in stainless steel for 24 months, after which it is not clarified but undergoes a wide filtration. 6,400 bottles produced.

Cirò wine can be traced back to antiquity, when is was allegedly served to the winners at the ancient Olympics. Run by husband and wife team Francesco and Laura de Franco, ‘A Vita is located on the arch of Italy’s boot tip, nestled between the Ionian sea and Sila mountains; this situation ensures both coastal influence and dramatic diurnal shifts. DOC Cirò is dominated by one producer: Librandi, who produces over 200,000 cases per year. By contrast, Francesco & Laura make only 2000 cases total.