Ippolito 1845 Gaglioppo “160 Anni” 2021 750ml

This courageous wine is made with partially (just 30%) air-dried Gaglioppo grapes. The Ippolito 1845 2021 160 Anni is pressed from clusters placed on straw mats in order to lose a large percentage of their water mass. The wine is quite subtle, in fact, without the oversized aromas you might get in Amarone that is made with 100% air-dried grapes. Gaglioppo offers subdued aromas of dried cherry, grilled herb and dried flower. You get hints of sweetness on a streamlined close. Production is 15,000 bottles.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Calabria
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Gaglioppo

Gaglioppo is a red grape variety native to Calabria, Italy, best known for producing the region’s signature Cirò DOC wines. Believed to have ancient Greek origins, Gaglioppo thrives in Calabria’s hot, dry climate, where it develops high sugar levels and firm tannins, resulting in structured, age-worthy wines.

What makes Gaglioppo unique is its balance of power and elegance. The wines typically have a medium to full body, with bright acidity and moderate tannins, offering flavors of red cherry, dried strawberry, plum, spice, and earthy undertones. Despite its warm climate origins, Gaglioppo retains good acidity, making it more vibrant than many Mediterranean reds.

Traditionally, Gaglioppo wines were rustic and tannic, but modern winemaking techniques have refined them, creating smoother, more fruit-forward styles. It pairs well with grilled meats, hearty pastas, and aged cheeses, offering a compelling alternative to more well-known Italian reds while showcasing Calabria’s rich winemaking heritage.