Vintripodi Cantine, Archi, Calabria

Wines Marco Polo might Recognize: Ancient Vines & Varieties from “Magna Grecia” (Greater Greece = Calabria, Sicily, Puglia and Campania, colonized by the Greeks a thousand years before there WERE any Romans). In our never ending quest for Da Funk at VinItaly ‘99 we happened across Cantina Vintripodi, run by two brothers from the very toenail of the boot (married to two sisters from Ireland!) who have thoroughly modernized their winery, dragging it kicking and screaming into at least the late Fourth Century BC. They are dedicated to making wines the way the Greeks did, employing old varieties growing on very, very old vines, non interventionist winemaking and just plain pastoral patience to produce two reds and a couple of dessert wines that are not only ultra traditional but absolutely delicious. They were a big hit here a few years back and now have returned: 

Vintripodi Greco di Bianco 2003  $59.99 / 500ml

Vintripodi Mantonico di Bianco 2003  $59.99 / 500ml  

Somewhere between Vin Santo and Old India Sherry, these were famous when Euclid was a Geometry student. Both are the result of meticulously selected grapes being laid out in the sun to dry for ten days then fermented in small Chestnut casks. The Greco remains in the wood for fourteen months, emerging with a rich golden color and a nuttier flavor set while the Mantonico is matured in steel tanks and then bottles for a fresher finish. Traditional serving suggestions include almond cookies, sheep’s cheese drizzled with honey or dried figs rolled in paprika.