This is the perfect transitional seasonal wine, the perfect pizza wine and the perfect wine to bring as the most easy-to-get-along-with “Plus-One” at the party. Not because it’s fancy, but because this‚ like everything Librandi does—is a well-made, authentic wine that doesn’t try to be what it’s not. This one is a blend 60% driven by Gaglioppo, a mainstay red variety in Calabria’s Cirò appellation that expresses red berries, Marasca cherries, dried flowers and licorice. The other 40% is Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine spends 12 months in barrique and six months in bottle prior to release. Unlike many oaked Cabs, there is no overwhelming in-your-face oaky, fruit bomb thing going on here. Instead, this is a medium-bodied earthy, ripe dried-violet and cherry-driven wine with an iodine/iron/mineral streak underlining the smooth tannins. This is a terrific Tuesday night “I don’t want to worry about the wine” kind of wine.
Calabria is in the toe of Italy’s “boot,” its eastern region once inhabited by ancient Greeks and called Enotria Tellus, “Land of Wine.” Though extolled in ancient times, in more recent centuries, it has been long overlooked for wine. But that’s changing as more wine drinkers seek authentic indigenous grapes that speak of their place. The Librandi family, growers and producers here for four generations, have long championed the region and the grapes, making sleek wines from what many considered rustic grape varieties.
You will be hearing more from me about them. All the wines I’ve sampled so far have been stellar—it’s hard to pick just one. But on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we all just want to relax with an easy wine with those leftovers and this is one for you. Give this a little chill and have with a turkey and stuffing sandwich.
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