Let’s meet Vito Cifarelli and the stunning Matera!
Matera is one of the most interesting, unusual and memorable city in Southern Italy; and it’s famous for its extensive cave-dwelling district: the “Sassi” (transl. “the stones”).
The caves of Matera had been inhabited for centuries; and still in the 1950s hundreds of impoverished families were living there crowded into cave-houses, like a primitive slum.
The squalor and malaria-ridden conditions became a national scandal and finally the residents were forcedly moved to modern buildings on the plateau above.
Decades of neglect followed, before the local authorities embarked on a massive reclaim and clearing operation.
By the 1980s the Sassi were no longer scandalous, but fascinating reminders of the past.
In 1993 “Sassi of Matera” was made a UNESCO World Heritage site, for being
“the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem”.
Nowadays, the Sassi reminds more of an elegant historical quarter; with posh restaurants and trendy bars; it was even used as a backdrop for the last (still unreleased) James Bond movie
While grapes were grown in the area for centuries, it was only 2011 when agronomist Vito Cifarelli decided to invest in his land in order to transform his grapes into wine of excellence.
Modern techniques and equipment, strong family traditions and a great respect for the terroir have created a small range of incredible wines.
The award winning design of the bottles showing Horace quotes can only add to the experience
