scala
Calabria is a land of contrasts—sun-baked hills meet the cool breath of the Ionian Sea. This is where the Scala family has cultivated their vineyards for generations, long before the world caught on to the quiet brilliance of southern Italy. Francesco Scala is the current guardian of this legacy, farming organically to let the land speak through its fruit.
The centerpiece here is Gaglioppo, a grape that thrives in the rocky, mineral-rich soils, producing wines with a balance of wild cherry and dried herbs, tied together by a whisper of salinity from the sea. Magliocco brings depth and a touch of spice, while Greco Bianco—distinctly Calabrian—delivers citrus and almond notes, like a breeze through the olive groves. Scala’s wines feel like they’ve always existed, waiting for someone to notice.
Farming Note
Scala’s vineyards sit in the heart of Cirò, where clay and calcareous soils meet Mediterranean breezes. The farming is low-impact, focused on letting the land do the work—keeping the vines balanced and the ecosystem thriving.
Winemaking
In the cellar, Scala strips things back to the essentials. Fermentation is wild and spontaneous, driven by native yeasts, and aging happens in raw cement tanks—no oak, no tricks. The goal? Wines that channel the place with clarity and precision.
Wines
Scala, Gaglioppo, Cirò Rosso DOC
Vintage 2022
Style Red
Region Calabria, Ciro
Varieties Gaglioppo
ABV 13.50%
Soils clay and calcareous soils
Tasting Note Bright and direct, with fresh red fruit, wild herbs, and a clean, savory edge. This is Gaglioppo that doesn’t shout—it speaks in balance and finesse.
Scala, Gaglioppo, Cirò Rosato DOC
Vintage 2023
Style Rose
Region Calabria, Ciro
Varieties Gaglioppo
ABV 12.5%
Soils Clay
Tasting Note Bursting with ripe red berries, zesty, citrus, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. A crisp, dry finish.
Scala, Greco Bianco, Cirò Bianco DOC
Vintage 2023
Style White
Region Calabria, Ciro
Varieties Greco Bianco
ABV 12%
Soils Clay and sand
Tasting Note Lively citrus notes, fragrant white blossoms, and a mineral freshness. Clean, crisp, and inviting.
Scala, Gaglioppo, Cirò Rosso Classico Riserva DOC
Vintage 2021
Style White
Region Calabria, Ciro
Varieties Greco Bianco
ABV 13%
Soils Clay and calcareous soils
Tasting Note Bold and complex, with ripe dark fruit, warm spices, and a hint of earthy elegance. Structured tannins and a long, satisfying finish.
HURON RIVER WINE CO.