Blog: Santa Venere | Calabria

The wine of Santa Venere: an ode to tradition and organic quality

About Santa Venere
Santa Venere, a renowned winery in Calabria, represents the essence of Italian winemaking. With a history dating back to the 19th century, Santa Venere has established itself as a symbol of excellence and tradition. The winery is picturesquely situated among the hills of Calabria, where the Mediterranean climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing vines.

Since the death of his father Federico in 2012, his son Giuseppe has been running the company with the same commitment and passion that his father passed on to him. With Giuseppe, the great goal of making the local Calabrian wine known and, above all, appreciated all over the world continues to be pursued and strengthened. Today, Giuseppe can count on the active collaboration of his younger brother Francesco, who recently graduated from university. In the more distant future, it will be Federico's grandchildren who will continue the company's mission and carry the family name ever higher.

The great goal of Santa Venere is to make the autochthonous Calabrian wine known all over the world and, above all, to appreciate and glorify its land: this is the main competitive feature of Santa Venere's activity, naturally combined with the high quality of its wines.

The history of Santa Venere
In 1960, Federico Scala, grandson of Falcone Lucifero, Minister of the Royal Household, took over the management of this activity. It was thanks to him that the business center was created outside the family farmhouse, which he named Santa Venere, after the stream that flows through the estate. At the time, Federico was the only member of the family to run the farm.

Later, after he had completed his studies, his son Giuseppe joined him: together and with great determination, they decided to give the farm a new and important boost, starting with winemaking and opting for organic farming. To this end, Federico and Giuseppe Scala chose an internationally recognized oenologist: Riccardo Cotarella, who accompanied them until 2016 and was later replaced by his trusted collaborator Massimo Bartolini.

The vineyards
The Santa Venere vineyards stretch across sun-drenched slopes and are cultivated with care and dedication. The grape varieties are carefully selected, with a focus on local varieties such as Gaglioppo and Greco di Bianco. These grape varieties contribute to the uniqueness and authenticity of Santa Venere wines.

The Santa Venere organic farm extends over about 150 hectares in the hills of the ancient Terra di Cirò, a small town in Calabria in the province of Crotone with very ancient origins that are of particular importance for its history and culture. This area, with its flat landscape sloping down to the sea and rolling hills, is a highly prized area for wine and olive cultivation.

The land has been owned by the Scala family since the 16th century, who have always been dedicated to the cultivation of vines and olive trees, but there was no agricultural complex as there is today. In ancient times, there was only the Scala family house, to which an ancient oil mill was attached, consisting of heavy stone wheels (the remains of which are still jealously guarded) that rotated in a circle and were pulled by animals, a system that allowed the grinding of olives. The grapes were produced in the vineyards to supply the processors.

The winemaking process
Winemaking at Santa Venere is a combination of tradition and innovation. Every step, from harvesting to bottling, is carried out with the utmost precision. The grapes are harvested by hand to preserve their integrity and then carefully vinified to capture the full potential of their terroir.

The wines
The Santa Venere wine collection is a reflection of the diversity and quality that the Calabria region has to offer. From bold reds made from the indigenous Gaglioppo grape variety to refreshing Grevo Bianco whites, Santa Venere offers a wide range of flavor profiles to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

The idea from the beginning was to focus on indigenous grape varieties such as Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco in order to enhance their land, a modern and effective turn that also has an impact on the image of the products. For this reason, Santa Venere mainly produces the classic Ciró wines in three varieties: red, white and rosé. Flanked by some niche products made from indigenous and almost forgotten grape varieties.

Conclusion
Santa Venere embodies the essence of the Calabrian wine tradition. Through their dedication to quality and respect for nature, they have secured a well-deserved place among the most renowned wineries in Italy. Their wines are not only a delight for the palate, but also a tribute to the rich culture and history of Calabria. With its commitment to quality, natural production and traditional craftsmanship, Santa Venere remains a source of inspiration for wine lovers worldwide. - Gerardo [TS02/24]