Santa Venere Calamacca Zibibbo | 2022

If Calabria is the "foot" of Italy, then Cirò is the heel of the foot, rescued from the heat by the strong winds of the Ionian Sea. This is juicy red wine country, and it steals the spotlight, leaving Zibibbo alone and underrated. Zibibbo is more common in Sicily as well as on the island of Pantelleria, where it's made into sweet versions. Its Italian name stems from the Arabic word "Zabīb," referring to a dried grape. Some literature states that its origin is likely Egyptian (related to Muscat of Alexandria), others claim Sicily as its homeland. Regardless, its Calabrian connection is multi-generational, but the region's archaic wine law limited it to table grape production. When Francavilla Angitola moved to Calabria in 2002 to take over his grandfather's vineyards, he spearheaded a decade long process to elevate Zibibbo's status. Thanks to Francavilla, we now see Zibibbo on a Calabrian IGT wine label, like this impressive wine from Santa Venere. Santa Venere is a large multi-use farm, located in Cirò, whose stronghold is organic viticulture. Calamacca Zibibbo comes from several estate vineyards, all organically farmed, and raised in steel. Don't think of this as Muscat. At 13%, it's dry, sapid, salty, and green. If you like quirky Adriatic whites like Verdicchio or Pecorino, or super fresh Verdeca from Puglia, give Zibibbo a try. Plus, it's just a really fun word to say, ZI-BI-BBO! ~Allegra A