A Vita - Leuko, Calabria, Italy (2022)

TASTING NOTES

Aromatic and fresh, showing notes of honeydew melon, lemon curd, orange pith and a bit of anise with salty elements on the long, crisp finish.

From the rolling hills of Ciro facing the Ionian Sea in Calabria - Luekò is a blend of 70% Greco Bianco and 30% Gaglioppo. 

Francesco di Franco was born and raised in Cirò, Calabria. He met Laura (a native of Friuli Venezia Giulia) when he moved North for University. While studying oenology, Francesco was introduced to minimal intervention and natural winemaking. Shortly after Francesco graduated from school, he and Laura moved South, home to Calabria where they founded A Vita. 

Francesco and Laura forgo the use of any synthetics in their vineyards and turn to copper and sulphur to protect against mould and disease only when absolutely necessary. Their eight hectares of vines – four parcels, with vines ranging in age from 20 years – 50 years old - are organically farmed and grown in clayey-calcareous soils. One vineyard is located near the sea in Cirò Marina and the rest are in the hills near the town itself set amongst rolling hills at the foot of the Sila mountains that slope towards the Ionian sea. This situation ensures both a moderating coastal influence and dramatic diurnal shifts (the swing in temperature from the heat of day to cool of night). 

Francesco and Laura work with only native Calabrian grapes: Gaglioppo, Magliocco, Mantonico and Greco Bianco.  

In the cellar Francesco uses indigenous yeasts only with no temperature control, added enzymes and only very minimal amounts of sulphur prior to bottling.