Gambero Rosso for Cantina Giorni
Sciffrà 2019 is a high-altitude Cabernet Sauvignon, making it suitable for summer, especially for those devoted to red wines who prefer to enjoy it at a cooler serving temperature than the usual 18-20 degrees Celsius. It hails from Basilicata, produced by Cantina Giorni. The wine is cultivated at 850 meters above sea level on a stony, dry, and well-drained soil, and is aged in barriques for 24 months, as is customary for great Cabernet Sauvignons. The vineyards are located in the mountainous area of Pignola, in the province of Potenza, within the Lucanian Apennines National Park. The estate spans approximately 7 hectares, where other Cabernet Sauvignons such as Orneto and Plinia del Calace are also produced alongside Sciffrà.
Ideal pairings
Sciffrà 2019 (awarded Two Glasses in the Gambero Rosso’s *Vini d'Italia 2024* guide) offers aromas reminiscent of summer berries, such as blueberries, wild blackberries, and strawberries, making it particularly juicy on the palate. It is full-bodied and structured, with great progression in the mouth, maintaining elegance and a distinct fruity fragrance. The high altitude provides it with freshness, as well as notable acidity and minerality. Considering the summer heat and the ease of preparation, this wine pairs perfectly with a baked pasta dish with fresh vegetables or a classic pasta alla Norma. And why not try it with eggplant parmigiana? If not fried, then grilled for a lighter option.
A promise to grow french grapes
The history of Cantina Giorni is deeply rooted in family ties, as the winery was founded in 2009 to fulfill a promise made to their grandfather, who was passionate about Bordeaux grape varieties. Today, four young cousins lead the winery, rediscovering a deep passion for the land and its fruits that runs in their family’s DNA. They are ready to invest in the future, as they have already done in wine tourism, and are focusing on a more contemporary and fresh style of wines, taking advantage of their vineyards' mountainous location.
From Basilicata to Friuli Venezia Giulia
The winery also has another production area located in the eastern part of Friuli Venezia Giulia, near the Slovenian border, which is the cradle of their white wines. Here, on a hilly expanse of just over 3 hectares, Petrucco (a pure Chardonnay), Tora (a 100% Sauvignon Blanc), and Arioso (a brut vintage sparkling wine made using the Champagne method, blended from Chardonnay grapes) are produced.
Wine Tourism in a 17th-Century Historic Residence
In recent years, the winery has also invested in tourism, acquiring the former Palazzo Lombardi in Pignola, a 17th-century noble house that has been renovated and transformed into a luxury resort with 11 suites, a wellness area, and a spa. The resort offers a peaceful retreat where guests can restore balance and tranquility through holistic treatments for body and mind, as well as enjoy a golf club. The resort also features a gourmet restaurant led by young Syrian-born chef Botros Hanna, where wine tastings and paired menus can be arranged.
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