Cataldo Calabretta, Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore 2022

The Cirò DOC in Calabria is home to the characterful Gaglioppo grape - one of great potential, but not easy to get right. Its high tannins and acidity can draw comparisons to Nebbiolo, and indeed in the right hands (which Cataldo Calabretta's unquestionably are) it can evoke similar moments of purity and beauty. Even in its youth it seems to wear the robes of wisdom, a brick red colour in the glass and on the nose notes of leather, liquorice and dried fruit. This is a thinking person's wine - something for those who want to spend time with their glass, get to know it and mull it over, with the bottle always in reach for a top up.