MENAT

Nicola, after years dedicated to the importation of Georgian artisanal wines and the selection of coffee and other products in Latin America, moved to Mexico, and it is here where Michele, a longtime friend, visited him and proposed to reorganize Michele's grandfather's winery and vineyards, located in the municipality of San Nicola dell'Alto, in the Ionian part of Calabria.


The two begin to work to create a real ‘marani’ (Georgian-style cellar) in the country, and the MENAT project was born, with the first vintage 2018. an additioon of friend Gianni Lonetti, a passionate winemaker of the area, and with the following year another friend Roldano Bitto, cook and oenologist.

About the Winemaker

MENAT

After years dedicated to importing Georgian artisanal wines and selecting coffee and other products in Latin America, Nicola relocated to Mexico, where his longtime friend Michele proposed revitalizing his grandfather's winery and vineyards in Calabria's San Nicola dell'Alto municipality. Together, they embarked on creating a genuine 'marani' (Georgian-style cellar) in the country, giving rise to the MENAT project, with its inaugural vintage in 2018. With the addition of winemaker Gianni Lonetti and oenologist Roldano Bitto in subsequent years, the group operates with an elusive presence, eschewing social media and upholding a strict philosophy on production, distribution, and communication.

The Region

Calabria, Italy

Natural wine production in Lazio, Italy, mirrors the region's rich cultural heritage and diverse terroir. Situated in central Italy, Lazio is home to historic cities such as Rome and ancient ruins like Pompeii, as well as picturesque countryside dotted with vineyards. Native grape varieties such as Malvasia, Trebbiano, and Cesanese thrive in Lazio's volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate, yielding wines of distinct character and expression. Natural winemakers in Lazio embrace a philosophy of minimal intervention, practicing organic and biodynamic farming methods to cultivate healthy vines and preserve the region's biodiversity. In the cellar, they employ traditional techniques such as spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and minimal sulfur usage, allowing the true essence of the grapes to shine through. The resulting wines are vibrant, aromatic, and full of personality, with a sense of terroir that reflects the unique landscapes of Lazio. Whether enjoyed with traditional Roman dishes or savored on their own, natural wines from this historic region offer a taste of Italy's winemaking heritage and a glimpse into the future of sustainable viticulture.