KALMA
Chiaramonte Gulfi
Sicily
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.
In their approach, minimal intervention in the vineyard is as important as creating diversity through regenerative agriculture. This means working in synergy with nature rather than against it. One of the reasons they chose this region is the favourable climate conditions, allowing them to treat the vines very minimally, if at all. Their vineyard work embraces regenerative practices — an established yet still not widely discussed concept. This approach focuses on creating resilience and biodiversity by enhancing the soil's microbiological life and overall health.
Kalma's production currently boasts a range of five wines: four from their 3.8 hectares and one from grapes purchased from a friend in Marsala. Among their future projects is the recovery of Albanello, an almost extinct grape variety with very few traces left between Syracuse, Ragusa and Catania, to create an oxidative wine. Perhaps a skin-contact one too. Little is known about this grape, which is not particularly aromatic but offers excellent acidity structure. While the project is still in its infancy, it is undoubtedly the beginning of something great, and we eagerly look forward to seeing the future results and witnessing the evolution of their journey.
Via del Mare
Vintage 2024
Style White
Region Marsala, Sicily
Varieties Grillo
Soils
Farming Organic
ABV 11.5%
Winemaking This 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 a old oak barrels, then spending time on the less. The remaining third macerates on the skins with stems for five days before pressing into fibreglass. Blended, racked and bottled without filtration nor added SO2.
Tasting Note A textural white with subtle aromatics yet boasting with a beautiful structure and bright energy. Notes white pears, scrubbed herbs and almond shavings come to mind. This vintage brings a real mineral imprint.
Lifasi
Vintage 2024
Style Red
Region Ragusa, Sicily
Varieties Frappato, Nero d’Avola, Merlot, Albanello
Soils Clay, sand, limestone
Farming Organic, regenerative
ABV 11%
Winemaking Lifasi represents the core of their production and the first (and only) wine produced in their inauguaral vintage, 2022. Each grape was picked at different points with the overall blend of Lifasi in mind. The grapes each macerate separately with stems, before a blend is made. The blend was made early, to allow the flavours to come together. A lighter expression than in previous years.
Bottled unfiltered, unfined and SO2-free.
Tasting Note
Heliocentric
Vintage 2024
Style Red
Region Ragusa, Sicily
Varieties Nero d’Avola, Frappato
Soils Clay, sand, limestone
Farming Organic, regenerative
ABV 12%
Winemaking Heliocentric is Nikolas and Waita’s take on a Cerasuolo di Vittoria - a DOCG from the area, although they do not look for the certification. Tradition has it that Nero d’Avola and Frappato are grown and vinified together. In their case, fruit from old vines are picked together as miraculously they riped in harmony. A co-fermentation for 7 days with the use of the stems and then joined by some younger vine Nero d’Avola which has undergone the same process. This is blended into old tonneau and fibreglass, the mix a rough 70/30 in favour of Nero d’Avola. Bottled unfiltered, unfined and SO2-free.
Tasting Note The nose brings elegant aromatics of redcurrants, cherry fruit and Lilac. The fruit on the palate in generous, with velvety juicy tannins and complex vibrant red fruit, lending to soft spices and liquorice tones.
Tangerine
Vintage 2024
Style Orange
Region Noto, Sicily
Varieties Muscatedda
Soils
Farming Organic
ABV 11%
Winemaking Muscatedda is an autochthonous variety, with a small plot of old vines in the Noto Valley. Having monitored the grapes they went for a look in July, and to their surprise on the 18th they decided to harvest. Macerated for 7 days in whole bunches with some foot pressing. This is then pressed into an old oak tonneau, where it sits until. bottling. Bottled unfiltered, unfined and SO2-free.
Tasting Note Decidedly Muscat-esque, this is bursting with aromatics, whilst maintaining a nice line of acidity and a bit of grip from the tannins. Plenty of floral and tangerine notes upfront, underneath are notes of ginger, olive and white pepper.
Fu Manchu
Vintage 2024
Style Red
Region Ragusa, Sicily
Varieties Frappato
Soils Clay, sand, limestone
Farming Organic, regenerative
ABV 11.5%
Winemaking The last grapes to be picked in the 24 vintage, ripening slowly and in low yields. The grapes are whole bunch macerated for 6 days, without pumpovers or punchdowns, to retain the brightness of the grapes. The liquid is split between concrete and oak tonneau to rest.
Bottled unfiltered, unfined and SO2-free.
Tasting Note Unmistakably pure Frappato, this is crunchy and fresh. Vibrant in colour, the wine is full of candied wild strawberry, cherry and rosehip notes. There’s a minerality that is decidedly Sicilian, and a lithe energy. On the palate notes of wine gum and wild strawberry layer over a pleasing texture. Enjoys a light chill.