Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A pure expression of oak-aged Magliocco, the 2013 Magno Megonio opens to a distinctive bouquet that shows the power and genuine rusticity of this important Calabrian grape. Librandi makes one of the best interpretations of Magliocco on the market today. Ripe fruit notes of cherry and candied blackberry are followed by cola, balsam herbs and black olive. This is a medium to full-bodied red to pair with hearty meat and pasta dishes.
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Wine Spectator
Hints of forest floor, wild herb and salumi underscore the sappy black cherry and black currant fruit in this firm version, framed by sculpted tannins. Stylish and savory, with good focus throughout. Magliocco. Drink now through 2023.
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
As the toe of Italy’s boot and closer in proximity to Sicily than any other mainland Italian region, Calabria holds much much in common with the island by way of climate, landscape and agriculture. Calabria’s principal red grape, Gaglioppo, is also a close relative of Sicily’s famous Nerello Mascalese.
Cirò, Calabria’s most valuable appellation, covers gently sloped hills on the Ionian Sea coast. Its wines are based on the indigenous red, Gaglioppo, and can be made as single varietal wines or blended with Cabernet or Merlot. Also of interest from Calabria is the red Maglioppo, likely a relative of Sangiovese. Whites here are made of Greco.