Winemaker Notes
Pair this wine with grilled steaks, demi-glaces, risotto with mushrooms, and truffles.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This wine from Librandi is one of the bottles that put Calabria on the world wine map. A pure expression of the Magliocco grape, the 2016 Magno Megonio shows the dark color intensity and rich textural fiber that is characteristic of this indigenous grape. The wine ages in barrique for 12 months. This adds a frame of spice and cinnamon that surrounds a core of bold blackberry fruit. You do feel the 15% alcohol.
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.