‘A Vita is an organic estate in Crotone in the Cirò DOC region of Calabria, Italy.

Owners: Francesco Maria de Franco (+39 329.0732473) & Laura Violino. Having studied viticulture and oenology in Conegliano Francesco de Franco stopped selling grapes and began domaine bottling from the 2008 vintage. “Francesco is at the forefront of and main philosopher behind the “Cirò Boys” revolution,” Ole Udsen told me. He is also an advocate of Cirò Rosso being 100% Gaglioppo, a local grape variety to which Francesco dedicated his university thesis.

Vineyards: 8ha (150 hl). In Cirò itself on the coast, and in the Lipuda Valley. Clay-limestone soils. Dry farmed.

Organic certification: 2004 Conversion began via Suolo e Salute. | 2008 First vintage with full organic certification.

White wines

Leukò: From Frassà, a vineyard at just above sea level. | 2019 70% Greco Bianco (short skin contact), 30% Gaglioppo (direct pressed). Unoaked.3,000 bottles.

Pink wines

Calabria Rosato: 100% Gaglioppo. Vigna Fego parcel, mass selection, near the sea.

Calabria Rosso: Gaglioppo mainly, plus Magliocco Dolce.

Cirò Rosso DOC: 100% Gaglioppo. From vines at sea level and one hill site at 100 metre. | 2009 Very nice soft redcurrant flavours (RAW 2012).

Cirò Rosso DOC, F36 P27: P2 is the vineyard plot number. Gaglioppo near the coast.

Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore: 2010 100% Gaglioppo. Cooler vintage. Stainless steel. Nice tannins, sappy fruit, bright (RAW 2012).

Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva: 100% Gaglioppo from Muzzunetto, the estate’s oldest vineyard, north-facing, last re-planted in 1968. | 2008 Stainless steel. Warm cedar (RAW 2012). | 2015 12mi in 20hl Slavonian botte. 3,000 bottles.

Contact

‘A Vita

S.S. 106 km 279.8

88811 Cirò Marina (KR), Italy

Website: www.avitavini.it