Cirò Rosso Clas. Sup. Riserva L'Arciglione - Cataldo Calabretta 2019

The Cirò Superiore Riserva by Cataldo Calabretta is a combination of finesse and generosity, captivating with its whispered progression. Cataldo Calabretta is, along with Francesco De Franco and Sergio Arcuri, one of the faces of the revival of Cirò, and what unites these producers is the common intent to enhance Calabrian viticulture and its flagship grape, Gaglioppo, with territorial interpretations light years away from clumsy caricatures. The choice to abandon the use of any chemical or synthetic substances thus becomes a logical consequence of a deeper thought, which is sealed by spontaneous fermentations and extremely limited use of sulfur.

The wine Cirò Superiore Riserva is obtained from pure Gaglioppo grapes, coming from 15-year-old bush-trained vines grown in hilly areas and resting on clayey-limestone soils. The harvest is carried out strictly by hand, with careful selection of the best bunches. The grapes are then transported to the winery, where after destemming and crushing the fermentation will spontaneously take place in tanks of cement with maceration on the skins for about two weeks. Subsequent aging in cement before bottling.

The Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva presents itself in the glass with a ruby dress turning towards garnet. Extremely varied and detailed nose, although the nuances emerge gradually from the glass, with an almost whispered progression. It smells of rhubarb, scrub, ripe red fruit, earth, and leather. Sunny yet muscular at the same time, the wine has a great rhythm in the mouth and marked by a sculpted and rigorous tannin. A beautiful testimony of how generosity and austerity can go hand in hand.