Wines Cirò Bianco Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo - La Foglia - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo’s Cirò Bianco DOC 2022 La Foglia is a fine example of southern Italian white winemaking, expressing both the traditions and innovations of Calabria. Made predominantly from the Greco Bianco grape, this cuvée showcases the region's hallmark grape variety, famed for its freshness and aromatic complexity. The 2022 vintage benefitted from a long, warm summer, allowing for optimal ripeness and concentration. Vinification is typically in stainless steel to retain the grape's natural vibrancy and character, resulting in a dry white wine with bright acidity, a delicate floral bouquet, and notes of citrus, orchard fruits, and a subtle saline undertone.

Cirò, located in Calabria’s historic heartland near the Ionian coast, is one of Italy’s oldest wine-growing areas, with origins reaching back to Ancient Greece. The region features clay-limestone soils and a coastal Mediterranean climate, marked by abundant sunshine, sea breezes, and mild winters. These conditions favour the Greco Bianco grape, encouraging both aromatic development and crisp acidity. Calabrian viticulture is deeply intertwined with local traditions, where small-scale producers focus on authenticity and grape expression, creating wines with a strong sense of place.

The lively structure and citrus-driven profile of this Cirò Bianco make it an excellent partner for seafood cuisine, especially dishes that highlight the sea’s freshness. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, calamari, or prawn risotto. For a regional touch, enjoy it with spaghetti alle vongole or swordfish involtini, classic Calabrian preparations. Its zesty acidity also complements soft cheeses and vegetable antipasti, particularly those featuring aubergine or courgette.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Open the bottle shortly before serving to allow the aromas to fully unfold. The wine’s freshness is best experienced in its youth, so consider enjoying it within two to three years of the vintage.