When someone mentions Calabria, I think of old-world, southern Italy, spicy, hot Calabrian peppers, olive oil, and spectacular coastlines and beaches. I have watched several travel shows and am in awe of its beauty.
Recently, Alice Bertacco, a publicist, emailed me with an invitation to participate in a virtual wine tasting hosted by Librandi Wines. The wines were delivered several days ahead of our virtual tasting, which began at 10 a.m. Denver (MST), which was 6:00 p.m. (CEST).
Our host was Paolo Librandi, a third-generation vintner who runs the business with three other family members. The company was established in the 1950s in Ciro Marina, the heart of Calabria's main growing area, DOC Ciro. Many improvements and evolutions have taken the company to its current state, with a new state-of-the-art winery, 400 hectares of land, 135 hectares under vine, sustainable certified vineyards (80%), and an annual production of 2 million bottles.
Paolo gave us a delightful overview of the region, detailing what makes Calabria unique.
There are now 1.9 million people in the region, spread out amongst 400 small towns. Today, Calabrian cuisine focuses on ultra-fresh seafood, but locals are also used to simple, rustic dishes like anchovies, breadcrumbs, peppers, and pork.
Ancient vineyards in Calabria and Sicily consist of indigenous grape vines planted by the Greeks. The Librandi family is forward-thinking but continually researching the region's past. They currently run nine experimental vineyards plus a circular vineyard planted with 200 native indigenous varietals that are grown and analyzed. Paolo's family takes science, sustainability, carbon footprints, and conducting business locally seriously.
Before our tasting began, he shared the recent news that the EU had approved a Ciro DOCG certification. Wines with this designation will be released starting in 2028. Paolo also stated that rose wines are popular in Calabria. Librandi makes several versions of Rose. Regretfully, they were not available for our tasting.
Wines Tasted:
-
Segno Librandi Ciro Bianco DOC 2024, 12.5% $13.99 ****1/2
Greco Bianco Grapes are from clay loam and calcareous soil. Vinified in stainless steel tanks.
Light gold/ straw color. Aromas of fresh citrus and flowers. Flavors of citrus and salinity with a medium finish.
- Librandi Critone Calabria Bianco IGT 2024, $15.00 *****
A blend of estate-grown Chardonnay (90%) and Sauvignon Blanc (10%).
Light straw color. Aromas of fresh citrus and lime.
Flavors of tart apples, lime, and saline.
- Segno Librandi Ciro Rosso DOC 2023, 12.5% $13.99 ****1/2
Gaglioppo grapes are grown in clay loam and calcareous soil. Vinified in stainless steel tanks.
Ruby red color. Aromas of sour cherry and violet. Flavors of dark fruit and pepper.
- Librandi Duca Sanfelice Ciro Riserva Rosso Classico Superiore DOC 2021, 14% $17 ****
Gaglioppo grapes from old vines (40 years) grown in clay loam, calcareous soil.
Aged 3 years in stainless steel tanks. No contact with oak.
Burgundy color. Aromas of candied fruit. Flavors of chalky dry fruit.
- Librandi Gravello Calabria Rosso IGT 2022, 14.5% $34 ****1/2
Blend of Gaglioppo (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%). Aged for 12 months in French oak.
Dark ruby color. Aromas of dark cherry and dried fruits. Flavors of spicy red fruit and baked plums.
Librandi wines are a great value even after elevated post-tariff prices.
Winebow Fine Wines and Spirits imports Librandi wines. For more info, visit:
https://www.librandi.it/
