Calabretta 'Gaio Gaio' Rosso, Sicily, Italy

The 2022 Calabretta 'Gaio Gaio' Rosso, Sicily, Italy is a spirited and expressive red that captures the volcanic soul of Mount Etna in every pour. Made from organically farmed Nerello Mascalese grapes and fermented with native yeasts, this wine marries tradition with natural elegance. Crafted for pure drinkability yet brimming with Etna character, it balances freshness, fine tannins, and savory nuance in a way that's both classic and inviting.

Product Details:

• Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
• ABV: 13%
• Farming: Organic (no herbicides; minimal copper and sulfur use)
• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts; natural malolactic fermentation
• Aging: In large oak barrels (50 hl)
• Total Production: 3,000 bottles

Sensory Description:

This medium-bodied red is immediately approachable with a Mediterranean nose of red fruit jam, freshly cut herbs, and a whisper of forest floor. On the palate, it’s supple and layered, showing ripe and dried autumn fruits, lifted acidity, and a savory edge. There's a gentle rusticity woven into its elegance, making it a wine of finesse with a long, clean finish. While light in structure, it carries the hallmark mineral tension of its volcanic origins.

Winemaker's Background:

Calabretta is a multigenerational family estate located in the northern reaches of Mount Etna, in Randazzo. Since the early 20th century, the Calabrettas have cultivated vineyards at high altitudes on black lava sand terraces interplanted with olive trees and fruit orchards. Today, the estate is managed by Massimo and Massimiliano Calabretta, who continue the family legacy by bottling wines rooted in tradition and terroir. Fermentation takes place in lava rock cellars across multiple levels, using only indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention to preserve purity and place.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in tulip-shaped glasses. This wine pairs beautifully with robust fare such as grilled or braised meats, game, or aged cheeses. While meant to be enjoyed young, it also evolves gracefully over time when stored properly.

This is a soulful Sicilian red for lovers of authenticity, volcanic minerality, and natural winemaking, a bottle that honors the land and traditions of Etna with quiet intensity and rustic grace.