Cirò Rosso DOC 2022 – Tenuta Iuzzolini

Calabrisella restaurant in Cardiff, owned by a Calabrian family, recommended this wine to us. In fact, Angelo, one of the owners, chose Cirò Rosso DOC by Iuzzolini for his wedding, which clearly attests to its quality! A true revelation, this wine is elegant and fresh, with great drinkability. Red fruit flavours dominate, supported by delicate tannins and remarkable balance. Let it breathe, and watch it open beautifully in the glass. Calabria remains an underrated region, but its wines help tell its story. Between Puglia and Sicily, real hidden gems await! 

Tenuta Iuzzolini

Tenuta Iuzzolini stands as a true symbol of Calabrian winemaking and shines because of its unwavering commitment to quality. Its reputation has soared from Cirò Marina to the international stage, thanks to the exceptional wines the estate produces. Located in the historic vineyards of ancient Krimisa, the winery spans an impressive 500 hectares. Specifically, 100 hectares support the Cirò DOC while the remaining vineyards flourish in the Calabria IGT region.

In addition, the estate cultivates indigenous varieties such as Greco Bianco, Gaglioppo, and Magliocco, thereby preserving Calabria’s rich viticultural heritage. The winemakers also grow Pecorello and Chardonnay, which they use to produce some of the most sought-after white wines in the region. Furthermore, the growers carefully tend every vine with experience and dedication, which results in wines of extraordinary depth and character.

Gaglioppo

Gaglioppo, an indigenous black grape variety from Calabria, has Greek origins and thrives mainly in the coastal areas of the region. It stands as the most widely planted grape in Calabria and serves as the backbone of all the region’s red DOC wines, with Cirò Rosso being the most notable. The name likely comes from the local dialect, where “gaglioppo” means “closed fist,” a reference to the grape’s compact clusters.

This variety was rediscovered after phylloxera devastated vineyards and has since become one of the most cherished grapes in Calabrian winemaking. Today, Gaglioppo grows primarily in the provinces of Cosenza and Catanzaro, especially in the fertile land between the Sila mountains and the sea. However, its most renowned production area remains the province of Crotone, particularly around Cirò Marina.

Gaglioppo thrives in dry conditions and withstands frost, making it well-suited to coastal regions with high soil salinity. However, it remains vulnerable to threats like downy mildew and powdery mildew, which can severely impact its growth. Despite these challenges, expert vineyard management ensures healthy vines and high-quality wines.