From: Calabria, Italy
Varietal: Gaglioppo
Taste: Victor Schwartz describes the Scala Ciro Rosato as a vibrant wine. The color captivates the eye with an electric copper-gold, resembling an amped-up ramato. The palate is greeted by an elusive but delicious mix of apricots and red fruits. The varietal character of Gaglioppo is evident, with a distinctive savory note in the background. The wine has a lively acidity, keeping it fresh.
Beyond Victor’s observations, this rosato is beautifully rounded and dry, with spicy peach, watermelon, and blood orange intermingling with flinty, stone notes. Its weight and acidity make it a perfect companion for a meal.
Pairing: Scala Ciro Rosato’s versatility allows it to pair delightfully with a range of dishes, such as spaghetti with garlic, oil, and chili, roast guinea fowl with garlic polenta, or roasted Mediterranean vegetables with haloumi. Furthermore, it’s an impeccable match with classic Italian fare like pasta Bolognese, spaghetti pomodoro, or Margherita pizza (see below!).
Pizza Margherita
Recipe from Carlo Mirarchi, Brandon Hoy, Chris Parachini and Katherine Wheelock
Adapted by Sam Sifton
About. Italy, the land of romance, art, and the finest wines, invites us to take a sip of its sun-kissed Mediterranean coast in a bottle. This time, we’re talking about the remarkable 2022 Scala Ciro Rosato, which beckons with its radiant hues and intriguing flavors.
Situated in the picturesque region of Calabria, the Scala winery has been a beacon of tradition and excellence. This family-owned estate has been gracing the vineyards of Cirò for over 200 years, where Luigi Scala, the current proprietor, puts his heart into producing distinct Calabrian wines. In 2008, Luigi was joined by his son Francesco, who manages the business side of things. The Scala family’s dedication is evident in every bottle they produce.
Grape Variety & Vineyard
The star of the Scala Ciro Rosato is the Gaglioppo grape, an indigenous variety native to Calabria. The wine is made from 100% Gaglioppo grapes harvested from the estate vineyards in Cirò, in the Crotone district. With south/south-east exposure, these vineyards have been nurturing vines since they were planted in 1987 and 1997. The espalier-trained vines thrive in the region’s sandy and clay soils.
Gaglioppo is a grape with a mysterious past, thought to have been brought by the ancient Greeks. However, recent DNA analysis suggests it might be a descendant of Sangiovese. These grapes are known for yielding wines with a profusion of crushed berry flavors, often accompanied by cherry and spicy undertones.
Winemaking Process
When it comes to crafting the Scala Ciro Rosato, the winemaking process is thoughtful and meticulous. The grapes are hand-picked during the first half of October, and after de-stalking, they undergo fermentation for about 24 hours. Approximately 60% of the must is drawn off, and the rest continues to ferment in temperature-controlled containers set between 14° and 16°C. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine is racked and left in stainless steel tanks for a minimum of 3 months. After bottling, it rests for an additional month before its release.
Certified Organic & Vegan Practices
What makes Scala even more special is its commitment to sustainability. The vineyard is certified organic since 2016, and lupins are used for fertilization. While Luigi's grandfather used indigenous yeasts, the current winemaker, Benedetto Lorusso, opts to inoculate. Additionally, the Scala Ciro Rosato is vegan, which is an attractive feature for the environmentally conscious consumer.
