The Rosé Wines of Calabria

On February 10th, the Enoteca Culturale (Cultural Wine Cellar) of Altafiumara hosted an extraordinary event dedicated to Calabrian rosé wines—a sensory journey through tradition, terroir, and innovation, guided by food and wine critic Matteo Gallello.

In a warm and convivial atmosphere, experts, wine lovers, and curious guests gathered around the table to deepen their knowledge of the history and value of these often-underestimated wines. It was an evening of discovery and awareness, set amidst shades of pink in the glass and perfectly paired gourmet dishes.

Rosé wine has an ancient history, deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture. Once considered an everyday product—meant to be drunk "as naturally as bread is eaten"—it is now experiencing a true renaissance.

"Rosé is by no means a lesser wine," Gallello emphasized during the event. "It is an authentic expression of the territory, a bridge between white and red that safeguards the soul of a place and of those who cultivate it."

However, modern production has frequently sacrificed quality for quantity. Invasive winemaking techniques and an obsession with color have often given rise to characterless wines shaped by fleeting trends. But Calabria tells a completely different story.

The evening provided the perfect opportunity to explore Calabria’s role in producing world-class rosés. In particular, Gaglioppo—the region's flagship grape variety—proved it can yield wines capable of surprising anyone with their grace and depth.

With marine and brackish nuances, a flawless balance between structure and freshness, and colors ranging from pale powder pink to coral, Calabrian rosés stand as true testaments to a winemaking heritage of invaluable worth.

The tasting spotlighted several iconic wines, including:

Petrotondo Aspromonte (Ciminà)

Parole Solo Parole by Giuseppe Calabrese (Saracena)

Zero Cirò Rosato by Brigante (Cirò Superiore)

Lamezia Rosato by Statti (Lamezia)

Through their aromas and flavors, these labels beautifully narrated the biodiversity and unique vocation of distinct terroirs.

Achieving a balanced rosé with a clear identity requires a profound understanding of winemaking techniques. During the session, various methods were explored in depth, including:

Direct pressing: The must is immediately separated from the skins, resulting in fresh, light wines.

Short maceration: The skins remain in contact with the must for just a few hours, lending greater structure and complexity.

Saignée (Bleeding): A portion of the must is removed from a red wine fermentation, enhancing the wine's aromatic intensity.

Every production choice impacts the final style, making each rosé truly one of a kind.

A great wine deserves the right companion at the table. Throughout the evening, guests experienced firsthand how beautifully rosé lends itself to refined and creative dishes.

The chefs at Altafiumara designed a curated multi-course menu in perfect harmony with the freshness and elegance of the featured wines:

• Tuna tartare with a citrus emulsion and crispy red onion – A dish where the sweetness of the onion meets a zesty citrus freshness, elevated by the vibrancy of the rosé.
• Amberjack carpaccio with seaweed dust – A beautiful encounter between sea and land, where iodized notes seamlessly blend with the wine's structure.
• Burrata-stuffed raviolo on a confit tomato sauce – Rich creaminess and acidity in perfect equilibrium, with the rosé acting as an aromatic bridge.
• Potato gnocchi with red prawn and bisque – An enveloping dish where the savory qualities of the prawn harmonize with the fruity undertones of the wine.
• Seared duck breast with a red berry reduction – A pairing that highlights the structure and complexity of the more intense rosés.
• Bergamot and white chocolate dessert – A delicate, aromatic finale that proved the incredible versatility of rosé even at the end of a meal.

Each course told a story, turning the tasting into a complete, multi-sensory experience.

The event left a clear message: Calabrian rosé has everything it takes to stand out on the international wine scene. What is needed now is awareness, meticulous care, and the willingness to tell its unique story without compromises.

At the Altafiumara Enoteca Culturale, we will continue to celebrate wine in all its expressions, offering curated tasting experiences, culture, and inspiring conversations.

If you missed this extraordinary evening, don't worry: new events are just around the corner! Follow us to stay updated on upcoming tastings and gatherings with leading figures from the world of wine.