Description
Creating diversity through regenerative agriculture is one of the goals of the newly established Kalma farm in Chiaramonte Gulfi, led by the dynamic duo Nikolas and Waiata. Nikolas studied enology and viticulture in Germany and northern Italy before embarking on an extensive journey with his wife Waiata, traveling through France, Spain, and New Zealand. His formative experience began with the 2015 harvest in Vittoria, under the guidance of Giusto Occhipinti of Cos. This was followed by internships at Terroir al Limit in Spain and Domaine Matassa in the Roussillon.
Captivated by the region, where “despite being in southern Europe, the wines here have a low alcohol content, which makes them very elegant,” Nikolas and Waiata decided to return to Sicily to further explore the Ragusan terroir and collaborate with local superstar Arianna Occhipinti, Giusto's niece. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in their journey, leading to the purchase of their first vineyard in 2022.
Featuring a label designed by 3-year-old Kaia, Lifasi is a wine with childlike whimsy, but a mature point of view. A coferment of red and white grapes with just a touch of wildness, marked by bramble and a lip-smacking finish.
Varieties: Frappato, Nero d’Avola, Merlot, Albanello
Style: Red Wine
ABV: 11%
Region: Sicily
Sub-Region or Appellation: Chiaramonte Gulfi
Viticulture: Organic
Soils: Clay, limestone, sand
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: All varieties undergo ten days of whole-cluster fermentation together.
Aging: Old barrels and fiberglass
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal