Melfio Palizzi Rosso | Altomonte

Altomonte

Azienda Agricola Altomonte is a project deeply rooted in the promotion of Calabria’s historic native grape varieties, particularly the local ecotypes that form the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Palizzi. The estate’s philosophy is based on the belief that preserving the historic germplasm of the vines is not only ethically right but also the key to producing high-quality wines, capable of meeting a market increasingly attentive to authenticity and substance.

During replanting, the estate uses grafts from the centuries-old “mother vines,” an approach that requires slower and more labor-intensive work but allows the preservation of Palizzi’s historic varieties, passing on the genetic and aromatic richness of the local grapes to future generations. This commitment is reflected in the quality of the fruit and, consequently, in the character of the wines produced.

The grapes come exclusively from the estate’s own vineyards, carefully selected for their exposure, soil composition, and microclimate. These natural factors allow for the production of extraordinary fruit, particularly rich and concentrated. The estate primarily cultivates Nerelli grapes, both Mascalese and Calabrese, with a smaller portion of white varieties, mainly Inzolia.

Vineyard care is meticulous: all operations are manual, from pruning to green thinning, selective leaf removal, and treatment management. Treatments are strictly eco-compatible, using only copper, sulfur, seaweed, kaolin, or rock powder to protect the plants and fruit. Fertilization is carried out with dried manure, and spontaneous cover crops between rows promote biodiversity and the natural development of soil microorganisms. The vineyards are managed according to organic principles, respecting the ecosystem and soil fertility.

Reggio Calabria

The province of Reggio Calabria is located in the southernmost part of the region, south of the Strait of Catanzaro — the narrowest point of the entire Italian peninsula. Here, a narrow valley about 30 km long connects the two coasts, the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian, creating a clear geographical and climatic distinction.

The area is deeply influenced by the tectonic structures typical of the Central Mediterranean geological context, featuring a complex arrangement of mountains and valleys. Soils vary significantly between the two slopes: along the Tyrrhenian coast and the slopes of the Apennines, limestone terraces overlay volcanic layers, producing intense and structured wines, often based on Magliocco, characterized by powerful tannins and a strong aging potential.

In contrast, the hills on the Ionian side have clay-limestone formations ideal for cultivating Gaglioppo. Here, red wines emerge that are less intensely colored but offer great finesse, sapidity, and a marked mineral imprint.

Most of the province’s wine production falls under various Indicazioni Geografiche Tipiche (IGTs): Costa Viola IGT, Palizzi IGT, Pellaro IGT, Locride IGT, Arghillà IGT, and Scilla IGT — all named after the territories surrounding the slopes of the Aspromonte, both on the Tyrrhenian and Ionian sides. These wines tell the story of a complex and rich land, where viticulture intertwines with the unique features of a singular landscape and a millenary history.