Librandi, Duca Sanfelice Ciro Classico

Alcohol percentage: 14%

Area:
The Gaglioppo grapes were sourced from the Cirò Marina district on calcareous clay soils in late September and early October. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with skin juice contact for 10 days. The wine remains unoaked and rested in stainless steel for another 2 years, then aged in bottle for 3 months prior to release.

Grape variety:
100% Gaglioppo

Producer:
Calabria – the “toe” of Italy – is one of the least developed regions for wine in the country but the Librandi family and estate have done more than anyone in recent times to elevate its status. Starting in 1953 Raffaele Librandi and his two sons Antonio and Nicodemo pioneered the development and recognition of the local black grape Gaglioppo – along with the white Greco variety – investigating both ideal growing conditions and soils along with improved clonal selection. So much so that in 2014 they were formally recognised in the Italian Register of Grapevine Varieties for their work with Gaglioppo.

Today the company is run by descendants Raffaele, Paolo, Francesco, Teresa, Walter, and Daniela, as well as Nicodemo. Production has expended into new areas including sparkling wine and olive oil.

The Old Bridge rating:
Bright notes of raspberry and redcurrant fruit with a briary twist. Fine tannins and no more than medium bodied.