Statti Mantonico Calabria IGT

The Statti Mantonico Calabria IGT is a characterful white wine from the deep south of Italy – and one of the most exciting autochthonous grape varieties of Calabria, which is hardly known outside the region.

The Statti winery cultivates around 100 hectares of vines in the Lamezia plain, not far from the Tyrrhenian coast. The Statti family are among the pioneers who systematically preserve and vinify ancient Calabrian grape varieties such as Mantonico. The wine is aged in 30-hectoliter acacia wood barrels – a wood that imparts less tannin than oak and brings out the fruit of the wine rather than masking it.

In the glass, the Mantonico displays a vibrant golden yellow. The nose offers aromas of orange blossom, ripe apricot, and a hint of dried mango – southern, warm, and inviting. On the palate, it surprises with an unusually dense texture for a white wine: full-bodied, almost oily, with well-integrated acidity. The finish is long, slightly salty, with a balsamic note reminiscent of maquis herbs.

Serving temperature: 10–12 °C. Drinking window: now until 2027.
It pairs well with grilled sea bass with lemon, roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, or strong sheep's cheese. It also makes a good accompaniment to spicy North African dishes – tagine, couscous with harissa.