In the glass

Light-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryCrisp, Mineral, Short-Medium finish

Aroma: cherry, wild herbs, volcanic earth, light spice

Palate: tart cherry, cranberry, saline mineral, light tannin

Gaio Gaio is Calabretta's most accessible wine: a light-bodied, vibrant Nerello Mascalese with the biodynamic estate's characteristic freshness and minimal-intervention purity.

What it pairs with

  • Grilled sardines with fennel
    The wine's light body and high acidity pair naturally with oily fish.
  • Pasta aglio olio e peperoncino
    Fresh mineral acidity and light weight complement this simple classic.
  • Bruschetta with chopped tomato and basil
    Bright cherry acidity echoes the sun-dried tomato sweetness.

History

Gaio Gaio (Sicilian dialect for 'joyful') was created as an early-drinking, everyday expression from Calabretta's biodynamic and naturally farmed Nerello Mascalese. The wine reflects the estate's philosophy of minimal intervention, grown with copper and sulphur only from ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines.

  1. 2008 — First Gaio Gaio vintage, establishing the entry-level natural wine from Calabretta

Facts

Producer
Azienda Vinicola Calabretta
Grapes
Nerello Mascalese
Classification
Etna Rosso DOC
Oak
12 months in large old Slavonian oak botti
ABV
12.5%
Price
€18-28 at retail
Drinking window
2-10 from vintage
First vintage
2008
Biodynamic
Biodynamic Practicing
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED

Tags

biodynamic dry high acid light body low tannin medium term mood easygoing mood funky nerello mascalese occasion aperitivo occasion summer occasion weeknight old vines old world organic pairs with aperitif pairs with oily fish pairs with pasta red sauce price trade up still red value pick
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