Undercover 2023 Calalta

Calalta Undercover 2023: Pure Merlot with a Contemporary Soul

History of Calalta Undercover 2023

Calalta Undercover is made from Merlot grapes harvested in late September in the foothill area between Vicenza and Treviso. This wine reflects careful vineyard and cellar work, combining two fermentation methods, traditional and carbonic maceration. The limited and meticulous production makes this Merlot a modern, complex wine expressing the richness and versatility of Calalta’s terroir.

Vineyard Philosophy: Selected Grapes and Respect for the Land

Hand-harvesting ensures the best Merlot grapes are selected. The vineyard follows organic practices, prioritizing natural, sustainable methods that protect the soil and vines. Controlled yields and attentive ripening produce balanced, healthy clusters essential for the final wine quality.

Winemaking Approach: Dual Fermentation and Mixed Aging

The winemaking process involves two separate fermentations: one batch is destemmed and fermented in 31 hectolitre oak vats, while the other undergoes carbonic maceration in steel tanks to enhance freshness and fruity aromas. Aging lasts about 9 months, half in oak and half in steel, balancing structure and vibrancy for an elegant, enveloping Merlot.

Tasting Notes of Calalta Undercover 2023

Color: Deep, bright ruby red.
Aroma: Ripe red fruit aromas, spicy notes, and subtle toasted hints from the wood.
Taste: Soft palate with silky tannins and a persistent finish, balanced between freshness and complexity.

Food Pairings

Ideal with roasted red meats, game, and aged cheeses. Also pairs well with spicy dishes and Mediterranean cuisine.

Technical Sheet

• Grape Variety: 100% Merlot

• Fermentation: Oak vats and steel (carbonic maceration)

• Aging: 9 months, half oak, half steel

• Alcohol Content: to specify

• Contains sulfites

• Serving Temperature: 16-18°C

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Calalta Winery: Tradition and Nature at the Foot of Mount Grappa

The Story of Calalta: A Unique Terroir Between Vicenza and Treviso

Calalta Winery is located in a privileged area, at the border between the provinces of Vicenza and Treviso, in the municipality of Mussolente. Situated in the foothills at the base of Mount Grappa, Calalta enjoys a strategic position at the end of the hilly area that, moving eastward, transforms into the famous Asolo hills. Here, nature and history meet in an environment rich in winemaking traditions, with the proximity to Bassano del Grappa, renowned for its bridge over the Brenta River. This unique context offers the ideal microclimate for cultivating high-quality grapes, which form the foundation for authentic and territorial wines.

Philosophy in the Vineyard: Organic Farming and Respect for the Ecosystem

At Calalta, a strict philosophy is adopted in the vineyard, based on organic farming and environmental respect. The vineyards are managed without the use of synthetic chemical products, employing only natural phytosanitary treatments based on copper and sulfur, integrated with biological preparations to strengthen plant health. Soil care, considered a fundamental resource, is ensured through autumnal workings that include sowing green manure. The productive yields are intentionally kept low to favor quality, ranging from 30 to 70 quintals per hectare depending on the variety. Management is manual and with small equipment, prioritizing artisanal and sustainable methods.

Approach in the Cellar: Natural and Minimalist Winemaking

In the cellar, grape selection is meticulous: only the healthiest bunches are hand-harvested and undergo double control, also via a sorting table. Fermentation occurs exclusively with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of additives or invasive interventions. The must temperature is monitored with a cooling system if necessary, thus preserving the aromatic integrity of the grapes. Wines age in various containers, from steel to cement, from ceramic amphorae to oak casks and tonneaux, to best express the character of the terroir. Before bottling, a minimal amount of sulfur dioxide is added to ensure product stability, without resorting to fining or filtration.

A Commitment to Honest and Characterful Wines

Calalta produces annually between 15,000 and 20,000 bottles, with a clear philosophy: to vinify without compromises, avoiding additives and invasive techniques, to offer sincere wines, rich in personality, capable of telling their territory. Respect for the ecosystem, care for plants, and valorization of the soil are the pillars upon which production is based, leading to wines that not only reflect the quality of the grapes but also convey a rare authenticity in the contemporary winemaking scene. This conscious philosophy translates into an intense and genuine tasting experience, where each bottle tells a story of passion and respect for nature.