Depending how you look at it, ‘A Vita can either be viewed as a lifetime or ‘from life.’ Either way you see it, this small winery is bringing a breath of fresh air to the most southerly region on the boot—Calabria. Dup Francesco and Laura de Franco farm in the DOC of Ciro, straddling the area between the Ionian sea and the Sila mountains. The area is known more so for its bulk wine, though ‘A Vita makes about 2000 cases in total. Their approach to farming and winemaking is minimal as they bring an overlooked region into the world spotlight.

‘Il Rosso’ blends the classic variety of Calabria, Gaglioppo, with the other red variety, Magliocco. Gaglioppo is not only an offspring to the Tuscan Sangiovese, but also a cousin to the Sicilian Nerello Mascalese. Fruit comes from two vineyards and aging is completed in stainless for a lengthy two years.