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.
Via Del Mare is the only cuvée produced with purchased grapes. The Grillo comes from the costal vineyards of Marsala, and it is farmed by a like-minded fellow grower. Two thirds of the grapes are direct pressed and fermented in an old tonneaux, the remaining third macerates on the skins for 10 days and finishes the sugars in demijohn. Blended, racked and bottled without filtration nor added SO2.
