Tenute Pacelli

The family run winery, located among the lush hills north of Consenza in northern Calabria below the Pollino massif, was originally owned by the noble La Costa family from which father Francesco Pacelli’s family on his mother’s side descended. The La Costa family had properties in the town of Malvito dating back to 1700, including the ancient Norman castle with its four crenelated towers that served both as outpost and observatory which was later donated to the town that set about it's renovation.

In the early years of the twentieth century, the family chose to use the estate, located in the Rose Contrada just a few kilometres from town as a rural residence, and it was in the 1970s that the Baron Gaetano La Costa decided to plant Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia because of his love of Chianti and Barbera. More than 40 years later, this represents the oldest part of the winery.

They also show a level of innovation which, when coupled together with their understanding of their land, culminates in some very special wines. For example, as well as growing grape varieties typical of the area they have managed to successfully cultivate Riesling, more normally associated with the northern cooler countries of Europe, by planting the vines at 350 meters above sea level where the temperature is naturally regulated - hot during the summer months, cold during the winter ones, with significant temperature variations between day and night - and therefore ideal conditions for this aromatic . They have also produced an excellent passito , Eos, from 100% Trebbiano Toscano grapes.

The vineyards extend to 10 hectares and are hewn from fertile, clay type soil rich in iron and minerals with some areas of limestone. However, and in spite of this natural richness, they demonstrate a respect for their land by painstakingly caring for it using organic techniques like cover cropping and green manure to ensure the soil receives an optimal supply of nitrogen and minerals so very necessary also for the health of the vines.

Since 2010 the winery has been run with great passion and dedication, with Francesco's oversight, by Clara, Carla, Laura and little Zoe, the women, and the new generation of the Pacelli family. Today, they make nine types of wines using the native grapes Magliocco Dolce, Calabrese and Assyrtiko (an ancient Greek white grape) but also other Italian varieties Sangiovese, Trebbiano and Barbera as well as international grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah demonstrating their ability to innovate and make wines that are special as well as traditional.

Each of the wines represents a specific "soul" of the winery...

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Riesling, in its still form (Barone Bianco) and, as a spumante using the Classic Method (Zoe) represents Clara’s roots. Barbera and Magliocco, the oldest and the newest vineyards come together for one of the two reserve wines (Pauciuri) reflecting Carla’s desire that the history of the winery not be... [scroll]
forgotten, and the Zio Nunu (meaning uncle) made from Cabernet and Merlot is a tribute to the nobleman Gaetano La Costa for being the first to invest in wine making. Magliocco Dolce and Calabrese (the native Nero d’Avola grape) are vinified separately and brought together in the Temèso...
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wine, aged in large French oak casks reflecting Laura’s desire to focus on the local area, trusting in its potential and organoleptic quality and La Clara, a very special orange wine made by Trebbiano Toscano is dedicated to the family's mother.

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