Vincenzo Girasoli
Baccellieri wines – Dining with passion
There are some stories which roots dig deep down to the point that it becomes hard to re-discover their origins. The strength, the charm, the quality, Because only brilliance resists life’s challenges and the passing of time. Getting old and re-newing they find that lymph that we call sustainable progress.
This is how I found my self on the hunt for traces of Greco, the most ancient vineyard of Italy.
We are in Bianco, a small town with a population of 4245 people on the low part of the Ionic versant of Calabria. It’s name comes from “Calanchi”, limestone hills that surround the centre and that appeared to sailors from the sea like a white spot on the coast. Between these hills there are expanses of vineyards that harmoniously endorse and elapse; transparent window that shows a deep love, cultivated with passion and dedication. The one of Mariolina Baccellieri.
Here the compass of economic profit at any cost, any where seems to have been broken, giving way to passion, guide of beauty and true goodness.
You should have seen her walk through her vineyard and listen to the way she described every splendid detail. “Look, those are two loquats trees that they wanted me to root out. And same goes for the pomegranates, pears, apples, figs, prunes or apricots. I will never! That’s why my Greco whine also has the scent of apricots! These sapling vineyards have lived centuries, look at the diameter. I was suggested to root out these as well and leave space for a more modern vineyard, easier to cultivate. Never.”
Almost 100 hectares that run through hills and lowlands around the town of Bianco; here, following the stages of the Sun, bergamot, olives ad mostly vineyards alternate. And what whine! Greco, Mantonico, Piroci, Siccagno. Discover them by clicking Next >
