Du Cropio - "Serra Sanguigna" Calabria Rosso 2016 750ml (14% ABV)

For those looking for an old world red with some weight on the palate. A few years of age have softened the tannins, revealing a complex fuller bodied red with supple cherry and plum fruit, hints of leather and spice, and great acidity. Pair with pasta bolognese, bone-in ribeye steak, or Shepherd's Pie.

Hand harvested, certified organic, horse ploughed vineyards, limestone/clay soils, spontaneous fermentation in steel, 15+ months in neutral oak botti, unfined, unfiltered, minimal sulfur, rested an additional 18 months in bottle before release

Serra Sanguigna is the name of a prime zone in the interior of the Ciro appellation that is not only particularly beautiful but is responsible for producing classic wines of the appellation. The hillside vineyards are planted to a mix of Gaglioppo, Malvasia Nera and Greco Nero and from there, on a clear day, one can see the entire Gulf of Taranto to the north and the Capocolonna promontory to the south. The “Serra Sanguigna” is generally composed of 70% Gaglioppo, 15% Malvasia Nera and 15% Greco Nero. It is the most rustic wine of the estate marked by a powerful plum-infused fruit, robust in weight, deep ruby in color. An age-worthy wine.

Du Cropio in local dialect means “doctor of agronomy” and reflects the fact that the Ippolito family has long been involved in the growing of grapes in the region. The estate encompasses a total of thirty hectares, eight of which are on the plains immediately inland from and within the confines of the town of Ciro Marina and twenty-two of which are tucked into the hillsides surrounding the village of Ciro, several more miles inland and at a considerably higher elevation. The soil, a mix of clay and limestone, is poor with excellent drainage which is reinforced by the steeply sloped hillside vineyards, conditions that are ideal for producing small crops of highly concentrated fruit. Most of the grapes harvested at the estate are sold either at the time of harvest or as bulk wine thereafter. Then, the finest wines are kept to be vinified at the estate and sold as “Du Cropio”.