Vigneti Vumbaca
Cirò, Italy
Vigneti Vumbaca is relatively young, the first two hectares (of a mere six today) purchased in 1984 at their primary estate, “Sant’Anastasia.” Christian Vumbaca is the proprietor, having left the bright lights, hustle and bustle of Rome to take over his mother and uncle’s estate in Cirò. Here, on clayey-limestone soils and south-facing slopes, he grows Gaglioppo in bush vines, locally referred to as “albarello,” or “sapling.” Often used in particularly arid climates to protect vines from adverse conditions, this training method is the ancestral approach to vine training in Calabria. At 46 years of age, these vines are the pride of Vumbaca, responsible for the production of their Classico Superiore and their Classico Superiore Riserva.
Separately from the “Sant’Anastasia” estate, on the two miniscule properties of “Fedurraro” and “Piana di Franze” in Cirò Marina, Vumbaca holds vineyards of 19 year old vines of Greco Bianco and a little more Gaglioppo. These younger, more modern vineyards are trained in the spurred cordon method. The Greco is grown on sandier soils within sight of the Gulf of Taranto – ideal for the production of fresh, expressive white in such a hot and drought-prone region. The younger-vine Gaglioppo is reserved for Rosato.
Harvest in all three vineyards is done by hand. In the cellar, no wood is used in the vinification of these wines, even the Riserva. Everything is done in cold-controlled stainless-steel tank.
Wines
Vigneti Vumbaca Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore
Vigneti Vumbaca Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva