Statti Lamezia 2021 750ml

Statti's 2021 Lamezia showcases the exciting potential of this lesser-known Calabrian appellation, where unique microclimates create conditions for wines of surprising elegance. Positioned between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Sila mountains, Lamezia benefits from cooling influences that temper Calabria's heat, allowing for wines with both Mediterranean warmth and mountain freshness. This bottling demonstrates how Calabria's indigenous varieties can yield wines of real finesse when grown in the right sites.

The wine presents a luminous ruby color that immediately suggests a lighter touch. Aromatically, it offers an intriguing blend of fruit and earth - red cherries and pomegranate meet wild herbs, crushed flowers, and a distinct mineral note reminiscent of wet clay. There's something almost Pinot-like in its aromatic delicacy, yet the herbal and earthy notes are distinctly Southern Italian. As the wine opens, subtle spice notes emerge - cinnamon, clove, and white pepper add complexity without overwhelming the delicate fruit.

On the palate, Lamezia reveals its dual personality. The entry is soft and inviting, with silky tannins that caress rather than grip. Red fruit flavors dominate - cherry, raspberry, and redcurrant - but they're supported by savory notes that add interest: dried herbs, tomato leaf, and a persistent mineral thread. The wine's natural acidity provides beautiful lift, creating an almost airy quality that distinguishes it from the more powerful expressions of Calabrian wine. This is elegance over power, finesse over force.

Statti's winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention to allow terroir expression. The unique position of their Lamezia vineyards, catching both sea breezes and mountain air, creates a microclimate that yields grapes with unusual freshness for Calabria. Gentle extraction and aging in neutral vessels preserve this delicacy, resulting in a wine that challenges expectations about what Calabrian wine can be.

The finish is clean and refreshing, with red fruit and herbs fading gracefully. This is versatile wine that works beautifully with a wide range of foods - from grilled fish to roasted poultry to vegetable-based pasta dishes. Its combination of fruit and savory notes makes it particularly good with tomato-based preparations. The moderate structure means it's best enjoyed in its youth while the fruit is fresh and vibrant.

For those who find many Southern Italian wines too powerful, this Lamezia offers a revelation. It proves that Calabria can produce wines of grace and subtlety, expanding our understanding of what this ancient wine region can achieve. Sometimes the most interesting wines are those that surprise us.