I
apologize for my absence over the last couple weeks, but as the
coronavirus hit the US it has taken some life adjustments as I manage a
fulltime job with a 2 and 3 year old
at home until at least the beginning of May. Some personal hobbies and
interests have taken a backseat as we know preparation and health is
most important. As the world suffers this terrible pandemic it’s
important to stimulate our minds and still educate about Italian wines,
especially supporting the Italian wine industry as the country continues
to struggle, but at the same time remain strong to push forward. I
hope all my readers are staying well and please stay home. It’s
important for everyone around the world to do so in order for us
eventually get back to a normal life.
Over
the last month or two I learned of an event called Savor Italy in Los
Angeles promoting Italian food and wine with a focus on the regionof Calabria. I was contacted by a long time reader of Vino Travels who imports Calabrian wine exclusively. She shared a few bottles and I was thrilled as Calabria is a region we don’t get exposure to all too much and these are the ones that I love to share. Unfortunately, the Savor Italy event has been postponed at this time.
The Region ~ Calabria
Calabria
is a southern region in Italy located on the tip of the boot. It’s a
region almost completely surrounded by water with the region of
Basilicata to the north and a small separation from Sicily via the
Strait of Messina. Calabria is a region that is dominated by hills and
mountains with the Southern Apennines running through it.
The wines there are predominately red with Gaglioppo leading the charge. The wine I’m sharing today is produced from the Calabrian Nerello grape, another red grape along with Maglioppo that can be found produced in this region.
The Winery ~ Senatore Vini
I conducted a brief interview with Dr. Raffaele Senatore, the President of Senatore Vini.
What is your role at the winery and your background in the wine industry?
Dr. Raffaele Senatore is the General Manager of Senatore Vini
company, but also a medical specialist and senior professional. The
love for his land led him to devote himself completely to the winery and to
reaffirm the ancient testimony of expertise and tradition that has
always belonged to the family. At the dawn of the 1900’s the
grandfathers, Francesco Senatore and Giuseppe Sculco, founded their wine cellar in the district "Corfu Vecchiu" in Cirò Marina. In the 40’s they built the ancient stone cellar in the district "Corfu Novu"
which was the place of business for around 50 years until the 4
brothers, Raffaele, Salvatore, Giuseppe and Franco Senatore, in 2005
opened the currently used wine cellar within the district "San Lorenzo"
of Cirò Marina. It is a modern and technologic winery equipped with
the most innovative vinification systems and wine-making machinery.
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| The generations of Senatore Vini ~ copyright of Senatore Vini |
Tell me about the land and soil in which your vineyards are planted.
The
soil is a medium mixture of calcareous land. The climate of the area
is a Mediterranean microclimate consisting of mild temperatures with an
optimal humidity and ventilation. The vineyards are cultivated with a
low yield per plant all selected and harvested by hand, which favors
quality over quantity of the fruit. All these are important elements of
the terroir and the quality of the grapes produced.
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| Copyright of Senatore Vini |
What does Senatore Vini pride themselves on and what is their winemaking philosophy?
Throughtout national and international competetions Senatore Vini
has received over 40 awards. The accolades they have received repay
them of their efforts made, allowing them to offer excellent products
recognized internationally. Because the company's mission is to best
represent our brand: the mythological figure of the unicorn found on
their labels represents an emblem of rarity, beauty and uniqueness.
This
adds up to the passion of our Management of medical derivation, which
has always placed the health of consumers first. It projects them
towards the production of high quality wines and, even more, of healthy wines.
What is the future of Senatore Vini and any projects on the horizon?
Our focus is on being able to make known the excellence of Calabrian wines, spreading the name of Senatore Vini
and the Calabrian wine culture worldwide. We live in a beautiful area
from many points of view. We have a fantastic sea, a breathtaking view,
a perfect climate and for many years now we have produced
exceptional wines. I hope the world can get to know our territory more
and more and the many virtuosities it has to offer. It is also for this
reason that our company is committed to wine tourism. The doors of our
Estate are open to visitors, to let touch with their hand our reality.
The Wine ~ Senatore Nerello
I sampled the 2012 Senatore Vini Nerello Rosso IGP. This wine is made from the Calabrian Nerello grape and is aged in small french
oak barrels for about 8-12 months. Ruby in color and rather
translucent. Aromatics of ripe blackberries, black cherry and spice.
Full-bodied with lush dark fruits with moderate tannins. An elegant
wine with lingering fruit towards a persistent finish. ABV 13% SRP $21
Pairing: Although not a typical Calabrian dish I felt the weight of this wine would pair well with this Nerello. I chose to pair it with an espresso infused balsamic dressed steak.
*This wine was provided as a sample, but opinions are all my own. Importer: IVDC Imports.
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