Gaglioppo

Gaglioppo is a red wine grape variety native to the Calabria region of southern Italy. It is the principal grape varietal used in Cirò wine, an historic wine region on the Ionian coast, and is widely grown in Cirò and the surrounding municipalities. The vine is late-ripening and thrives in Calabrian conditions, producing wines with substantial color and structure.

In winemaking, Gaglioppo yields wines described as medium- to full-bodied with moderate to high tannins and bright acidity. It is commonly vinified as a varietal wine or blended with other Calabrian varieties to add color and backbone. It can be released young, though it also shows aging potential, developing more complex notes with time.

Typical aromas include red cherry, plum, and blackberry, complemented by spice, earth, and herbs. With age, notes of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit may emerge, adding complexity to the profile.

Gaglioppo is principally grown in Calabria, particularly around Cirò and the Ionian coast. Outside Calabria, plantings exist only in small volumes in other parts of southern Italy. The grape remains a defining element of Cirò wines and Calabria’s wine identity.