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When shopping for wines from Italy, Calabria might not be front and center on your list of regions to explore. However, the wines from this region are worth knowing.  Mancuso Estate Photo courtesy of Ippolito 1845 A Quick Overview Located in the “toe” of Italy’s boot, this southern Italian region is a stone’s throw away from Sicily, separated by the Strait of Messina. Calabria is surrounded by the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Seas, making up a beautiful coastline, while inland is comprised of lush forests and mountains.   Calabria is no stranger to winemaking, with the ancient Greeks being the first to cultivate grape vines here. Over the centuries, Calabrian wine production waxed and waned in popularity throughout Europe, with the French market eventually edging Calabria out of the picture. The phylloxera epidemic in the 19th century destroyed vineyards, paralyzing wine production, and by the 20th century. competition arose from New World wines. However, Calabria is slowly making a comeback, and the wines produced here are a treat for the palate. Although Calabria has no DOCGs, it has nine DOC titles and ten IGPs, with grape vines occupying approximately five percent of the region’s total wine output. The Mediterranean climate moderates and cools the vineyards with morning and late afternoon breezes, alleviating the intense heat of summer. These samples represent three DOC appellations from different producers.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The most well-known DOC appellation is Cirò. Its landscape is flat, close to the sea, and hilly inland. Cirò is famous for its red wine production, specifically the Gaglioppo grape variety, in addition to limited production of Cirò Blanco and Rosato. Ippolito 1845 Cirò Colli del Mancuso Riserva DOC 2019 Ippolito is one of the oldest wineries in Calabria, founded in 1845. The estate is situated on the Ionian coast in the town of Cirò. This wine is 100% Gaglioppe, an ancient and indigenous variety noted for producing soft red wines with berries, cherry, spice flavors, and nice acidity. The grapes for this wine are sourced from a single vineyard in the Mancuso estate. The wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Cherry, red berries, herbs, and baking spice. Palate: Tart cherry, plum, herbs, vanilla, and soft tannins, with a touch of pepper and red berries lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Ippolito suggests game, roast, and braised meat. Or pair it with mushroom stew, seared tuna, or pizza. Statti Batasarro Lamezia DOC Riserva 2017 The Statti estate is located in Lamezia Terme on the western Calabrian coast. The State family has owned this land since the late 1700s. In addition to wine, they produce olive oil and milk. This wine is 100% Gaglioppe and is aged in oak barrels for 18 months and an additional 12 months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Juicy notes of berries, spice, baking spice, cherry, and rose petals. Palate: Raspberry, cherry, vanilla, and a hint of herbs. Tamed tannins and a rich mouthfeel. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Lamb, pasta, roasted pork, polenta, or BBQ fare. Magliocco is an ancient red grape variety grown exclusively in Calabria and made in dry and sweet styles. Magliocco Dolce is a sweeter and fruitier profile, whereas Magliocco Canino is known for its robust structure and strong tannins. Terre di Balbia Fervore 2018 IGP 2018 Terre di Balia is located in the medieval village of Altomonte in the province of Cosenza. The company, originally established in 2001, was purchased by brothers Giuseppe and Nicola Chiappetta in 2014. This wine is 100% Magliocco Dolce. The grapes for this wine were sourced from vineyards in Montino land of Altomonte (Cosenza). The wine is aged in French oak barriques, 50% new and 50% used, for about nine months. After bottling, the wine rests in wooden boxes for another 24 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Fragrant notes of dark fruit, subtle floral, and spice.
Palate: Succulent dark berries, sweet plum, cherry, dried fruit, a touch of chocolate, and low acidity. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Roasted or grilled red meat, game, pasta, charcuterie, or aged cheese. Calabria is a region to keep an eye on. Add them to your next excursion to the wine store. Your palate will thank me! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It’s not often that wines from Calabria cross my path. And I’m sure these wines are not on most consumers’ shopping lists, but they should be.  Photo courtesy of Librandi Here is a brief introduction to Calabria and its wines. Calabria is a southern Italian region located in the “toe” of Italy’s boot and just a stone’s throw from Sicily, separated by the Strait of Messina. Calabria is surrounded by the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea, making up a beautiful coastline with lush forests and mountains inland.  This region is no stranger to winemaking, with the ancient Greeks being the first to cultivate grape vines here. Although Calabria has no DOCGs, it is home to 12 DOC titles, with grape vines only occupying approximately five percent of the region’s total wine output. The most well-known DOC appellation is Cirò, considered the most suitable wine-growing area. Its landscape is flat close to the sea, and hilly inland. The Mediterranean moderates and cools the vineyards with morning and late afternoon breezes, alleviating the intense heat of summer. Cirò is famous for its red wine production, specifically the Gaglioppo grape variety, in addition to limited production of Cirò Blanco and Rosato.  I recently had an opportunity to taste several wines with Paolo Librandi, the third generation of Librandi, a family-run company located in Cirò Marina, where 80% of Librandi’s production is. Paolo’s grandfather Raffaele, the youngest of 10 children, founded the company in 1953. He started with six hectares, one for each of his children. Today there are six estates and over 230 hectares. The company is run by Nicodemo, Raffaele, Paolo, Francesco and Teresa Librandi.  Librandi family. Photo courtesy of Librandi. Librandi is focused on indigenous grape varieties Gaglioppo, Magliocco, Mantonico and Greco Bianco. In addition, international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon have been planted with the aim “to combine the highly recognizable local varieties with the freshness and smoothness of the international varieties.” In 1993 they began to research and experiment with the objective of recovering and enhancing native grape varieties. They have created experimental vineyards in which 200 of the region’s rediscovered indigenous varieties are collected, analyzed, and preserved. Librandi is tied to traditions but embraces new technology and became certified sustainable two years ago. “From this unique landscape, we Librandi have always taken our inspiration to embody the oenological tradition of an area that is historically suited to the cultivation of vines.”  Photo courtesy of Librandi. So, let’s taste some wine!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Critone Calabria Bianco IGT 2021 “International taste, Calabrian soul”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc is a best seller. Production area: Strongoli, Rocca di Neto/Casabona Nose: Floral, salinity, white stone fruit, and green apple. Palate: Citrus, grapefruit, white peach, a hint of herbs, zesty acidity, and refreshing. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $19 Segno Librandi Cirò Bianco DOC 2020 “Brilliant like the summer sun.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is 100% Greco Bianco, and the variety only exists in Calabria. Paolo said, “This grape needs extra stressful conditions to reach its perfect ripeness.” Production area: Cirò, Cirò Marina, Crucoli Nose: Fresh flowers, the sea, green apples, and herbs Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with tropical notes, white stone fruit, and acidity. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $15 Gravello Calabria Rosso IGT 2019 “Super Tuscan with International taste”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is Librandi’s flagship wine. Paolo calls it “Frankenstein wine, a perfection of blending.” It is 60% Gaglioppo and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation, it is aged in Allier barriques for 12 months and then six months in bottle before release. The first vintage was in 1988. Production area: Arcidiaconato estate in the countryside of Strongoli. Nose: Dark berries, cherry, violet, Palate: Dark fruit, cherry, spice, licorice, nice acidity. It is a complex and well-structured wine, balanced nicely between sweet and savory. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $30 Duca Sanfelice Cirò Riserva Rosso Classico Superiore DOC 2019 “Our land, our roots. Authentic. It is the wine that most closely links us to our origins, the wine of Cirò.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is 100% Gaglioppo with grapes sourced from vineyards in the best sub-zones. The wine is aged in steel and concrete vats for two years and then several months in bottle before release. This particular vintage was aged for three years. Production area: Cirò, Cirò Marina Nose: Floral, red fruit, herbs, and earthy. Palate: Berries, sour cherry, spice, balanced nicely with tannins and acidity, and a long finish with cherry and a hint of anise lingering. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $20 Segno Librandi Cirò Rosso Classico DOC 2019 “Pleasant and intense like the aromas of the Mediterranean maquis.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is 100% Gaglioppo. The wine is aged in stainless steel vats followed by a few months in bottle before release.
Production area: Cirò, Cirò Marina Nose: Violet, cherries, red berries, and herbs. Palate: Dark cherry, red and dark berries, raspberry, spice, natural acidity. Very fresh, with cherry and spice lingering. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: N/A What started as bulk wine production in the 1950s has turned into a dedicated mission for the Librandi family to produce excellent wines while maintaining the integrity of Calabria and its terroir. Librandi is proud to support and promote their land. “Our family's wines are ambassadors of our land and culture, ideas that find their realization in the family vineyards and the dedication we devote to their cultivation.” Treat your palate to some wine from Calabria. Your palate will thank me! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
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