Bush Vines in Calabria: Memory and Future Between Wine and Haute Cuisine
A Journey Through History, Tradition, and Food & Wine Innovation
The evening of February 24th at Altafiumara Resort & Spa offered a unique sensory experience, a tribute to Calabrian viticulture and its most iconic vine-training form: the alberello (head-trained bush villa). Guided by wine expert Matteo Gallello, participants embarked on a journey through time, rediscovering the region's most authentic soul through its wines and the cuisine of Chef Antonio Battaglia.
A Centuries-Old Heritage: Alberello Viticulture
The alberello (head-trained bush vine) is not just a vine-training system, but a symbol of resilience, dedication, and connection to the land. This method, adopted since ancient times by the Phoenicians and Greeks and perfected in Calabria by the Oenotrians, is the most suited for enhancing the aromatic complexity of this region's wines. Every bottle tells a story woven from artisanal craftsmanship and respect for nature.
The manual approach required by this system is not merely a production choice, but a true philosophy, where the winemaker becomes a guardian of the land. The required commitment is extraordinary: pruning, soil management, and harvesting all take place without the aid of mechanization, yielding wines of character, rich in terroir and historical memory.
Matteo Gallello masterfully conveyed the depth of this heritage through an engaging narrative, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a world made of aromas, textures, and sensory nuances. The goal of the evening was not just to taste, but to understand the value of the terroir, its role in defining the wines' identity, and its vital connection to Calabrian history and culture
The Perfect Harmony Between Wine and Cuisine
The oenological journey was further enriched by the gastronomic creativity of Chef Antonio Battaglia, who designed dishes capable of enhancing the unique characteristics of the selected wines. Each course was a balance between tradition and innovation, a perfect dialogue between the flavors on the plate and the wine in the glass.
The evening's menu followed a very precise common thread: highlighting the local terroir without compromising on technique and refinement. From the rustic, traditional recipe of friarielli 'mbuttunati (stuffed turnip greens) to the sophisticated beef tenderloin with roasted chestnuts and Toscanello cigar smoke, every dish was conceived to harmonize with the structure and evolution of the selected wines.
The Evening's Menu
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🍷 Azienda Agricola Baccellieri – “Piroci” 🥬 Stuffed "friarielli" (turnip greens) – A tribute to traditional popular cuisine, refined for an enveloping pairing.
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🍷 Tenuta del Travale – “Esmen Tetra” 🥩 Beef tenderloin, roasted chestnuts, and Toscanello cigar smoke – A dish with a bold character, in perfect harmony with the wine's smoky notes.
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🍷 Cataldo Calabretta – “Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore” 🥔 Potato in a hay crust – The simplicity of the earth transformed into refinement, enhanced by the elegant body of the Cirò.
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🍷 Antiche Vigne – “Savuto Superiore” 🍚 Spiced risotto with Red Cows Parmigiano Reggiano – A perfect combination of savoriness and richness, balanced with the structure of the Savuto.
Each dish was conceived not to overpower the wine, but to interact with it, enhancing its every nuance and creating a tasting narrative of rare harmony.
An Unforgettable Sensory Experience
Every sip and every bite told the story of an authentic and sophisticated Calabria, where past and future meet in the glass and on the plate. Guests were able to immerse themselves in Matteo Gallello's narratives, living an experience that goes far beyond a simple tasting: a sensory, cultural, and emotional journey.
The warm and refined atmosphere of Altafiumara Resort & Spa provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening, where the wine spoke the language of the land and the cuisine responded with creativity and passion.
The event concluded with an open conversation between the guests and the expert, sparking a passionate debate on the future direction of Calabrian viticulture and the importance of preserving traditional techniques in a world increasingly geared toward industrial production. The strongest message to emerge from the evening was clear: identity comes from respecting the land and reclaiming one's roots.
Would You Like to Join Our Next Event?
Don't miss our upcoming evenings dedicated to the world of wine and haute cuisine! For information and reservations, please email us at altafiumara@altafiumararesort.com or call +39.0965.759804.
