A’ Scippata Riserva: Heritage, Heroic Viticulture, and the Amalfi Coast
Discover the Apicella Family’s Century-Old Vineyards, Dramatic Cliffs, and Bold Red Wine from Italy’s Divine Coast
Ciao amici,
This is Aldo from Above Wines, and today I want to take you on a journey — not just along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, but into the heart of a centuries-old winemaking tradition that is as dramatic as the cliffs themselves, where history, family, and heroic viticulture converge.
The Amalfi Coast, or Divina Costiera, is unlike any place on Earth. Sheer cliffs plunge into the sparkling Mediterranean, pastel villages cling to terraces carved from the mountains, and every inch of land is fought for and cherished. These terraces are not only beautiful; they are a testament to heroic viticulture — a style of farming where machinery is impossible, and every task is done by hand. The vineyards are small — often less than an acre, with the largest rarely exceeding 0.8–1 acre. The Apicella family manages over 30 plots scattered across the coastal mountains, each with its own microclimate and unique character.
Amalfi is not just a natural wonder; it is steeped in history. In the Middle Ages, it was one of Italy’s famous Maritime Republics, alongside Venice, Genoa, and Pisa. Its sailors and merchants navigated the Mediterranean, trading goods, culture, and knowledge across Europe and the Middle East. Amalfi became a hub of commerce, innovation, and diplomacy, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and resilience that still defines the region today. Walking through the towns, you feel the echoes of this history — the old port, the churches, and the streets that witnessed centuries of maritime glory.
Among these terraces grow the Tintore vineyards, ancient vines that thrive on the dramatic slopes. Every shoot is tied, every grape carefully pruned, and every harvest meticulously hand-picked. The laborious, meticulous process is demanding, but it’s exactly this dedication that gives the wines their richness, elegance, and strong sense of place.
At Cantine Apicella, winemaking is more than a craft — it’s a family tradition. Our connection to this land began in 1933, but the vineyards themselves have roots stretching back over 250 years. A’ Scippata Riserva is the culmination of this heritage: a bold red wine that captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast, the sea breeze, and the sun-soaked terraces.
A’ Scippata Riserva: A Wine of Place and Tradition
Each year, the Apicella family follows timeless rituals: pruning, tying shoots, and hand-harvesting the finest grapes — only about 40 quintals per hectare. The grapes undergo gentle pressing and extended fermentation on the skins, followed by a long aging process that allows the wine’s structure and elegance to fully develop.
In the glass, A’ Scippata shines deep red with vivid purple highlights. The nose is filled with ripe red fruits, cherry, and subtle black pepper, layered with delicate oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied, warm, and smooth, with silky yet assertive tannins that promise years of enjoyment.
Food Pairing Suggestions
This Riserva pairs beautifully with dishes that celebrate Italian tradition:
Braised beef or wild boar ragù
Roasted game meats
Aged cheeses like Pecorino
Every bottle of A’ Scippata Riserva is more than wine — it’s a story of heritage, heroic viticulture, and devotion to the land, echoing the Amalfi Coast’s dramatic terraces, the Tintore vineyards, and the Apicella family’s meticulous care. From cliffside vineyards to your glass, it invites you to experience centuries of tradition, culture, and labor that result in every sip.
Bring the Amalfi Coast home. Explore A’ Scippata and other Apicella wines on Grappolo Wine Shop, and savor the story of the land, the family, and the remarkable wines they create.
ORDER: A' Scippata Riserva, Amalfi Coast Red
