Discovering San Salvatore Wine: The Essence of Cilento in Every Glass
San Salvatore wines at Flora. Photo by Daniel Schwartz.
At Flora, we believe in curating a wine list that tells a story—one that celebrates Italy’s lesser-known yet deeply expressive regions. Our selection emphasizes unconventional wines, especially those highlighting a strong sense of place and heritage. That’s why we are proud to serve San Salvatore 1988, an azienda agricola that perfectly encapsulates the harmony between tradition, terroir, and innovation in the heart of Cilento.
What is an azienda agricola? The Italian term translates to “farming business.” In the context of wine, it often signifies a winery that grows its grapes on its estate and produces wine from them, essentially a “farm-to-bottle” operation.
A Commitment to Organic Winemaking
San Salvatore 1988 has raised the bar for sustainable and biodynamic farming in Italy. With over 100 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and fields, the estate is certified organic. It avoids synthetic pesticides and herbicides and favors natural, eco-conscious methods. The winery also harnesses solar energy and uses natural fermentation techniques to craft wines with minimal intervention, preserving the authenticity of the region’s indigenous grape varieties.
Indigenous Grapes and Signature Wines
One of San Salvatore's defining features is its dedication to native Campanian grape varieties, particularly Fiano, Greco, and Aglianico. Once at risk of decline due to the dominance of more commercially popular varieties, these ancient grapes have been revitalized through San Salvatore’s commitment to preserving Cilento’s viticultural heritage. Thriving in the mineral-rich soils and Mediterranean climate, these grapes produce wines that are both expressive and deeply connected to the land.
San Salvatore wines you’ll find on Flora’s menu include:
Calpazio: A bright and refreshing FIano with notes of white flowers, citrus, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs, showcasing the crisp minerality of Cilento’s terroir.
Trentenare: A beautifully balanced white made from Fiano, offering aromas of ripe pear, honey, and almonds, with a lingering finish highlighting its complexity.
Vetere: A vibrant and elegant rosé made from Aglianico, with delicate notes of wild strawberries, pomegranate, and rose petals.
Ceraso: A smooth and fruit-forward Aglianico, bursting with flavors of ripe cherries, blackberries, and a touch of spice, making it a versatile and food-friendly red.
More Than Just Wine: A Cultural Experience
San Salvatore 1988 is an immersive experience that embraces Cilento's heritage. The estate is home to a herd of water buffalo, whose milk is used to produce some of the finest mozzarella di bufala in the region. Visitors can explore the vineyards, enjoy wine tastings paired with local delicacies, and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes of Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Future of Cilento’s Winemaking
While more famous appellations often dominate Campania’s wine scene, San Salvatore proves that Cilento deserves the spotlight. By preserving native grapes, implementing sustainable practices, and producing wines of remarkable depth and quality, San Salvatore 1988 is leading the charge in redefining this underappreciated region.
For wine lovers seeking an authentic taste of southern Italy, a glass of San Salvatore wine offers not just exquisite flavors but a journey into the heart of Cilento itself. At Flora, we are thrilled to share these wines with our guests, offering an experience beyond the glass to celebrate the depth and beauty of one of Italy’s lesser-known wine regions.
