The grape variety Gaglioppo

Gaglioppo is a distinguished red grape variety indigenous to Calabria in southern Italy, renowned for its resilience and ability to express the region’s unique terroir. Wines produced from Gaglioppo typically exhibit a vibrant ruby hue and a complex aromatic profile, featuring notes of red cherry, wild strawberries, dried herbs, and subtle hints of spice and earth. On the palate, they are medium-bodied with firm yet approachable tannins, lively acidity, and an elegant mineral backbone, often revealing nuances of liquorice, tobacco, and delicate floral undertones with age.

The primary viticultural heartland for Gaglioppo is the Cirò DOC in Calabria, where the grape thrives in sun-soaked, coastal vineyards with clay and limestone soils. Gaglioppo is generally crafted as a varietal wine but is sometimes blended with other local varieties to enhance structure and complexity.

Typical styles include youthful, fruit-driven wines with moderate ageing potential, as well as more structured, oak-aged examples that develop greater depth and savoury complexity. Gaglioppo pairs exceptionally well with regional Calabrian cuisine, especially grilled lamb, roast game, spicy sausage, and hearty pasta dishes with rich tomato or meat sauces, complementing the grape’s natural vibrancy and tannic grip.