Societa Agricola Santa Venere Federico Scala

Santa Venere Vineyard: Interpretations of Calabrian Enology with Strong Territorial Identity

Santa Venere, a Calabrian organic agricultural company, sprawls over approximately 150 hectares on the hills of the ancient land of Cirò, a small town in the province of Crotone with ancient origins. The picturesque landscape, featuring flat fields towards the sea and gentle hills, is highly esteemed for grape and olive cultivation. Our exploration of four wines from the Cru Line revealed the essence of this unique terroir. Beyond a presentation of the context and the winery, we delve into the introduction and tasting of the four labels.

Since the 1600s, the Scala family has owned these lands, initially focused on vine and olive cultivation. The turning point occurred in 1960 when Federico Scala, the nephew of Falcone Lucifero, the minister of the Royal House, took charge. The estate, named Santa Venere after the stream running through it, underwent significant expansion. Federico, the sole family member initially involved, was later joined by his son Giuseppe. Together, they initiated a new era, emphasizing winemaking and adopting organic practices. Renowned enologist Riccardo Cotarella guided them until 2016, succeeded by trusted collaborator Massimo Bartolini. From the beginning, the focus was on native grape varieties, marking a modern and effective shift reflected in the product image.
Since Federico's passing in 2012, his son Giuseppe has continued the legacy with the same dedication. Alongside him is his younger brother Francesco, a recent university graduate, actively contributing to the company. As a certified organic company, Santa Venere has embraced a rigorously natural cultivation method, avoiding synthetic chemicals and prioritizing natural substances. This approach enhances the natural resources of the soil, respecting its characteristics and biodiversity, resulting in high-quality products. The 30-hectare vineyards, situated 500 meters from the Ionian Sea, benefit from sun exposure and winds, embodying the appellations: Voltagrande, Vurgadà, Piana di Coletta, Sant’Angelo, Speziale. With an average vine age of 6 years for new ones and 40 years for the oldest, the modern winery employs cutting-edge technologies, ensuring excellent wine quality.

Visit the website of this Calabrian vineyard