Winemaker Notes
Ruby-red in color, aromas of plums and black fruits complement undertones of pepper, tobacco, licorice, and chocolate. On the palate, zesty acidity and velvety tannins make for an exquisite experience with this indigenous varietal.
Pair this wine with grilled steaks, demi-glaces, risotto with mushrooms, and truffles.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made with Magliocco grapes from the Tenuta Rosaneti, the Librandi 2023 Megonio reveals a pretty bouquet with pressed rose, tart berry and a dusty note of rock candy or watermelon Jolly Ranchers. I love the effect with that vein of sweetness that cuts through the bouquet. There is a wild side with bramble and black olive. This is the revamped version of the estate's Magno Megonio, now with a shorter name. As a matter of housekeeping, I will note that my sample is identified as 2023 on the back label and 2022 on the front, but I am going with 2023 since that is the current vintage on the market.
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.