Friday Wine Tasting 7/17

July 17: Southern and Central Italy

Come join us for a fabulous afternoon of wine tasting at The San Francisco Wine Trading Company! Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for you. Sample a variety of exquisite wines and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to expand your palate and enjoy some delicious wines. See you there!

Casa Setaro is located on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vesuvius in Campania, home to the only active volcano on mainland Europe. The estate is led by Massimo Setaro, whose mission is to restore the reputation of Vesuvian wines by showcasing the region's unique volcanic terroir and indigenous grape varieties.

The winery farms 12 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards using biodynamic principles. Because the vineyards are planted in deep volcanic sands within Vesuvius National Park, all of the vines remain on their original rootstocks, as the soils are naturally resistant to phylloxera.

Campanelle is made from 100% Falanghina grown at 250 meters above sea level. The grapes are fermented entirely in stainless steel, producing a bright, mineral-driven expression with vibrant citrus fruit and the distinctive volcanic character of Mount Vesuvius.

Calabria's winemaking history dates back to the arrival of the ancient Greeks in the eighth century BC, and the hills surrounding Bianco remain scattered with ancient open-air stone fermentation vats known as palmenti, evidence of thousands of years of continuous viticulture.

Antonella Lombardo left Calabria at eighteen to study and practice law in Milan before discovering a passion for wine through sommelier studies. She ultimately returned home to establish her own winery, working with renowned agronomists Stefano Dini and Dario Ceccatelli to restore vineyards overlooking the Ionian Sea. The vines grow on rolling hills of limestone-rich clay within sight of the Mediterranean.

Although known locally as Greco di Bianco, the grape is actually Malvasia di Lipari, an ancient semi-aromatic variety. The grapes remain on their skins for nearly a day before fermenting with indigenous yeasts using a pied de cuve and aging entirely in stainless steel.

I Pástini is a family-owned winery founded by Gianni Carparelli and his father Donato in the Valle d'Itria of central Puglia. Their vineyards overlook the Adriatic Sea on a limestone plateau surrounded by centuries-old olive groves, where the family has farmed for generations. The estate specializes in preserving Puglia's indigenous grape varieties while farming organically, a certification they officially received beginning with the 2019 vintage.

Although summers are warm, the nearby Adriatic moderates temperatures with cool nights and morning fog, making the Valle d'Itria one of Puglia's premier white wine regions.

Le Rotaie Rosato is produced from 100% Susumaniello using direct pressing and stainless steel fermentation, resulting in a fresh, vibrant rosé that highlights the variety's bright fruit and lively acidity.

The Giusti family's story began in 1903 when Filippo Giusti emigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. Upon returning to Italy, he purchased farmland near his hometown, laying the foundation for what would become a multi-generational family winery. By the 1930s, the family had turned its focus to viticulture, a passion carried forward by Filippo's son Luigi and subsequent generations.

Bolla Rosa is produced entirely from Lacrima di Morro d'Alba grown in a three-hectare vineyard. The fruit is gently direct pressed before undergoing Charmat-method fermentation at low temperatures in stainless steel, preserving the grape's delicate floral aromatics and vibrant freshness.

Claudio Cipressi is the producer most responsible for the revival of Tintilia, Molise's indigenous red grape. Long believed to exist only in the stories of local farmers, Tintilia had nearly disappeared before Claudio began searching for surviving vines in the 1990s. After identifying promising selections, he planted his first vineyard in 1998. His work led to genetic analysis by the University of Molise, confirming Tintilia as a unique native variety, which was officially entered into Italy's National Registry in 2001.

Today Claudio farms organically with low yields on vineyards situated around 550 meters above sea level overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Settevigne is made from 100% Tintilia and is aged for 24 months in stainless steel followed by six months in bottle, highlighting the grape's vibrant red fruit, spice, and naturally fresh structure.

De Conciliis is a family-owned estate located in the Cilento DOC of southern Campania. While Cilento was historically overlooked as a fine wine region, the family began exploring its unique terroir during the 1990s, helping establish it as one of southern Italy's most exciting emerging appellations. Their philosophy emphasizes respect for the land, organic farming, and a deep commitment to hospitality.

The vineyards are planted on steep hillsides overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, where abundant sunshine and maritime influences promote slow, even ripening while preserving freshness.

Donnaluna is made from 100% Aglianico. The wine is aged for 18 months, with 70% matured in stainless steel and 30% in large 30-hectoliter oak casks, followed by an additional six months in bottle before release.