Ippolito 1845, Cirò Marina Calabria

Cirò may be the oldest type of wine still in production, with roots back to pre-Roman days when this part of Italy was Magna Graecia (Greater Greece). Ippolito is the oldest cantina in the zona (founded in 1845) and is seriously dedicated to preserving the traditions of the zona yet is run by two young and very enthusiastic cousins from the current generation. We were introduced to them by the owners of Lomazzi & Sarli, producers of WINE EXPO-ista Cult Classics Solise and Latius, and we will be eternally grateful for it. The cantina makes a full range of wines but then takes the extraordinary step of retaining commercial quantities of their top Riserva for up to two decades before release while NOT charging a fortune for them when they do liberate them. 

Ippolito Cirò Rosé Mabilia 2005, Calabria  $11.99

Ippolito Cirò Rosé Mabilia 2005, Calabria  $8.99  375 ml

A crisp, perfumed and delicious pink wine named as a tribute to the elegance and freshness of a young Norman princess who had a summer home in the zona in the eleventh century (but she was such a babe it still seems like yesterday!). Hand harvested Gagliopo bunches are cold macerated for 24 hours to get just enough color and oomph for hearty food then fermented in stainless steel to preserve the Rosé petal, cherry and spice notes on the nose. Serve it chilled and, at just 12.5% ABV, yes, you can have a third glass if you need to...