Tasting Notes: 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 tannins and adds some color.
Estate History: 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. The red wines are 100% Gaglioppo, a rustic variety native to the area which typically has dusty tannins and aromas of roses; it is an offspring of Sangiovese and a cousin to Nerello Mascalese. The vineyards are certified organic, and no fertilizer is used. Instead they plant cover crops, and are careful to not work the soil so as to favor natural biodiversity. In the cellar, there is zero technological input: the wines are fermented spontaneously without temperature control, decanted naturally, and are never rushed. A small amount of sulfur is used at bottling. The wines are often aged in bottle for an extended time before release.
