{"title":"Meridio","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the early 90s, Sicily found itself in the early stages of a viticultural Renaissance. The prominence of giant commercial wineries waned, and a renewed focus on old-fashioned artisanal wines made from indigenous grapes was blossoming. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAround the same time, Gianni Salafia and Gaetano Luca, geologists and old college friends, increasingly found themselves conducting land surveys for the burgeoning wineries across the region. After years of studying potential vineyards and befriending winemakers, they developed a keen interest and passion of their own for the vine. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor years they dreamed of making their own wine; in 2007, after settling on a choice south-facing 1-hectare plot in Chiaramonte Gulfi (not far from Sicilian superstars COS and Arianna Occhipinti), Gianni and Gaetano realized their dream and founded Meridio. From its inception, respect for the land and traditions of the region was paramount, and every decision they've made since is informed by this ethos. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the vines, farming is organic and by hand. Alicante Nero, Nero d’Avola, and Frappato are trained using albarello, the local, ancient vine training method (a unique version of bush training). Instead of iron posts, vines are secured to \"giant canes\" that, according to tradition, can only be collected during a specific lunar phase in the winter. Rather than plastic ties, the vines are secured to the canes with a liàma — an incredibly strong blade of grass, traditionally used in the region for centuries, that is the namesake for today's wine. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e2011 saw Meridio release their inaugural vintage — a mere 700 bottles of an Alicante and Nero d’Avola blend called Arundo that sold out immediately. Gianni and Gaetano were clearly onto something.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/sf.flatiron-wines.com\/collections\/meridio.oembed","provider":"Flatiron SF","version":"1.0","type":"link"}