Santa Venere is a mixed organic farm and vineyard in Crotone province in the Calabria region, on the toe of Italy, very close to the Ionian Sea. Wines are made under the Cirò DOC.

Owner: Giuseppe Scala (+39 393 9738105) and family. The estate has remained in the same family since 1600.

Vineyards: The estate covers 150ha and takes its name from a river crossing the estate. There are 25ha of vines in the Cirò DOC. Gaglioppo, Greco Bianco, Merlot, Cabernet and Chardonnay are planted. Local varieties such as Marsigliana Nera (Maglioco Dolce) and Guardavalle are also grown, as are Nerello Cappuccio and Greco. 5,500 vines/ha.

Other crops: The Scala family also produce olives and milk. Also, horses of the ‘sella italiana’ breed are bred here, as are Charollais cattle.

Organic certification: 1999 First vintage with full organic certification. | 2010 Still certified organic.

Winemaking: Riccardo Cotarella consults.

Wine production: 80,000-100,000 bottles.

White wines

IGT Calabria Bianco, Vescovado: Chardonnay with a bit of Mantonico Bianco. From Guardavalle. 5,500 vines/ha. Unoaked.

Cirò Bianco DOC, SantaVenere: Greco Bianco. 4,000 vines/ha. Stainless steel.

Pink wines

Cirò Rosato DOC: Gaglioppo. 4,000 vines/ha. Stainless steel.

Red wines

Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore DOC, SantaVenere: Gaglioppo.

Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore DOC, Federico Scala: Gaglioppo.

Calabria Rosso IGT, Vurgatà: 40% Nero d’Avola (aka ‘Nerello Cappuccio’ I think), 35% Merlot, 25% Gaglioppo. 6 months in oak.

Other activities: Agritourism.

Contact

Az. Ag Biologica Santa Venere

Tenuta Voltagrande, Strada Provinciale 04 Km 10

I-88813 Cirò (KR), Calabria, Italy

Tel+39 0962 38519 | Website www.santavenere.com

Directions: From Cirò Marina (SS 106) follow directions Cirò. After 1 km turn right for 3 km.

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