Calabretta Cala Cala Rosso NV

Calabretta Cala Cala Rosso NV — A Soulful Sip from Sicily’s Fiery Slopes

A Taste of Etna’s Heritage

Few regions express raw terroir and centuries-old winemaking like Sicily’s Mount Etna. Calabretta Cala Cala Rosso NV is a prime example: a rustic yet beautifully balanced red, made from old-vine Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grown on ancient volcanic soils. “Cala Cala” — Sicilian dialect for “Gulp Gulp” — perfectly captures this wine’s easy-drinking charm and honest, down-to-earth style.

Family-run since the early 1900s, the Calabretta estate is deeply rooted in tradition. Today, winemaker Massimiliano Calabretta and his father Massimo preserve old vines, organic farming, and minimal intervention — proving that some of the best Etna reds don’t need fuss, but rather patience and respect for nature.

A Wine That Honors Time

Unlike many quick-release wines, Cala Cala is a non-vintage blend composed of multiple harvests — sometimes blending lots from as far back as a decade ago. Aged in large neutral Slavonian oak casks for up to seven years, the wine gently integrates tannins and gains depth without losing vibrancy. No chemical treatments, spontaneous fermentation, and low sulfur use keep this Etna red unmasked and soulful.

The final blend is about 95% Nerello Mascalese, Etna’s noble grape, with a touch of Nerello Cappuccio to round out its structure. It’s bottled unfined and unfiltered, allowing a true sense of the vineyard to shine through.

Tasting Notes — Earthy, Bright, and Comforting

Appearance: Light ruby to medium garnet in the glass, showcasing the classic transparency of Nerello Mascalese.

Aroma: Lifted aromas of wild cherry, dried rose petals, crushed herbs, and a whisper of volcanic ash. With a swirl, notes of leather, orange peel, and dried red berries come alive.

Palate: Medium-bodied and silky, balancing ripe red cherry and cranberry flavors with savory nuances of dried herbs and subtle earthiness. A gentle backbone of fine-grained tannins and lively acidity keeps each sip refreshing.

Finish: Lingering hints of dried flowers, dusty minerality, and a touch of spice, leaving your palate clean and wanting more.

Critic Praise and Wine Lovers’ Notes

Cala Cala consistently garners praise for delivering the authentic taste of Etna at an approachable price. Critics describe it as “savory and energetic,” highlighting its dusty fruit, herbal complexity, and charming drinkability.

Fans love that it’s robust enough to impress seasoned Italian wine lovers yet soft enough to share with anyone at the table. It’s a reminder of why old vines and traditional aging matter — this wine feels both rustic and polished.

Serve & Pair

This wine begs to be enjoyed around good food and lively conversation. Serve slightly cool, around 58–62°F. A short decant will help open up its delicate earthy notes.

Pair it with:

• Grilled sausages or lamb skewers

• Roasted pork with fennel and garlic

• Mushroom risotto or wild mushroom pizza

• Aged pecorino or salty hard cheeses

• Charcuterie and olives for a casual spread

Whether it’s pizza night, pasta with friends, or slow-roasted meats, Cala Cala matches the moment effortlessly.

Authentic, Organic, and Honest

What sets Cala Cala apart is its genuine respect for heritage: ungrafted vines up to 80 years old, dry-farmed without chemicals, and aged with patience rather than technology. It’s a bottle that speaks of Mount Etna’s rugged slopes and Calabretta’s humble mastery.

Everyday Sicilian Soul at a Great Value

For an Etna red of this depth and purity, Cala Cala offers remarkable value. While single-vineyard Etna wines can command premium prices, this multi-vintage blend brings old-vine character and volcanic terroir to your table without breaking the bank.

Calabretta Cala Cala Rosso NV is a joyful taste of Sicily’s volcanic slopes, bottled with humility and heart. Rustic yet refined, it’s the kind of wine you’ll reach for when you want to pour something soulful, honest, and full of life.

Pour a glass, take a gulp — or two — and savor a timeless sip of Etna.