Grape Of The Week: Gaglioppo

Often confused with Magliocco due to appearance, Gaglioppo is believed to be the natural crossing of Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco. It spans across 4,200 hectares most of which are in Calabria, with a smattering of vines in Abruzzo, Marche, and Umbria. With notes of raspberry, red currant, leather, and tobacco, Gaglioppo pairs fantastically with tomato sauce-based dishes, roasted vegetables, and braised meats.

Ippolito 1845 160 Anni 2016

Made from 100% Gaglioppo, which is indigenous to Calabria, the grapes are hand selected, left to dry on mats for 60-90 days, and then go through traditional vinification. Aged for two years in oak barrels, the resulting wine is a celebration of Ippolito 1845’s history, commitment, and passion. Ruby colored in the glass, this wine has tantalizing aromas of berries, violets, raisins, and sweet spice. Complex and round, the wine has great structure and a pleasantly persistent finish.

Grape Photo Courtesy of Ippolito 1845