Calabretta
Vigne Vecchie
For four generations, the Calabretta family has grown grapes in accordance with the centuries-old traditions natural farming methods of Etna. The mountain itself is omnipresent with the vineyards criss-crossed by volcanic stone walls. The volcanic soil of the area, combined with the dramatic temperature differential from day to night, yield grapes of singular expression. Calabretta’s vineyards have evolved naturally so that the vines are intermingled with olive trees and fruit orchards—theirs is a vineyard truly in touch with its surrounding environment.
In 1997, Massimo & Massimiliano (son & nephew of Salvatore & Concetta), built a new winery and started to bottle and sell the Calabretta wines all over the world. Today, they continue to make wines of Etna Rosso and Etna Rosato but have also experimented with new single-variety wines, including Climax and Contrada varieties.
Tasting Notes
Dynamite example of old vines from Etna. Structured and intense without being too tight to drink young. Bouquet of red fruits, tobacco, and earth.
Cultivation
The wines from Calabretta are firmly rooted in the traditionalist camp. Organic farming, aging for extended periods in old, large format barrels, and zero intervention lets these wines speak transparently about their volcanic origins.
Vinification
Natural malolactic fermentation.
Press
2012:
94 points - Antonio Galloni
2011:
93 points - Antonio Galloni
2010:
94 points - Antonio Galloni
2008:
91+ points - Antonio Galloni
2007:
90 points - Antonio Galloni
APPELLATION
Terre Sicillane IGT
VARIETAL
Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
ABV
14.5%
ALTITUDE
750 meters
SOIL
Volcanic soil
PHILOSOPHY
Organic
AVERAGE AGE
80 years