Gaglioppo is Calabria’s iconic red grape variety, deeply rooted in the winemaking tradition of the Ionian coast and, in particular, the Cirò and Melissa areas. Long thought to be of possible Greek origin due to its connection with Magna Graecia, it is now recognised as an Italian variety, and recent genetic studies have highlighted its kinship with Sangiovese and the white Mantonico. The vine exhibits medium to high vigour and has medium-sized leaves, generally pentagonal and five-lobed. The bunch is medium or large, conical or conical-cylindrical in shape, sometimes winged and of varying compactness; the medium-sized berries are spherical or slightly oval, with a pruinose blue-black skin and juicy flesh. It is found mainly in Calabria, from the Crotonese area and the Cirò region as far as the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro and Reggio Calabria, where it thrives particularly well in the hilly soils and bright, Mediterranean climates. The resulting wine is ruby in colour, sometimes intense and tending towards garnet as it matures, with aromas of small red berries, spices, aromatic herbs and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it displays good freshness, pronounced tannins, structure and length, developing greater complexity and a pleasant longevity with ageing. Erotiske