The Wine Reference🍷 SupportGaglioppo grape
Gaglioppo is a red grape known for cherry, plum, herbs. Its best-known homes are Calabria.
Origin and history
Calabria's main red grape; DNA shows it is a natural cross of Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco, making it a full sibling of Nerello Mascalese.
Where it grows
Calabria, chiefly Cirò DOC on the Ionian coast, and small amounts in Sicily, Campania and the Marche.
Structure
Medium body, light to medium colour, moderate acidity and firm, sometimes rustic tannins with fairly high alcohol.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: red cherry, red plum, dried herbs and orange peel. With age: dried fruit, tobacco, leather and earth.
Ageing
Most best within 3–8 years; Cirò Riserva can age 10–15.
Good to know
Cirò, made from at least 80% Gaglioppo, is Calabria's best-known wine; locals link it to Krimisa, the wine said to have been given to ancient Olympic victors.
Wine regions for Gaglioppo
Gaglioppo wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Librandi Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore
Light in colour, firm in tannin: red cherry, dried herbs and spice.
Food: Spicy salami, grilled meats, tomato pasta
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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