Librandi Wines of Calabria
Librandi: Authentic Wines of Calabria
Recently I discovered several delicious wines of Librandi. This is a new-to-me brand from an Italian wine-growing region, Calabria, with historical significance.
The region and its native grapes Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco were familiar to me from my studies for the Italian Wine Professional designation.
Hosting the webinar from his home in Calabria was Paolo Librandi, now heading operations of the wine producing business created by his grandfather in 1953.
Over the last half-century, the Librandi family have purchased vineyards and invested in modern winemaking technology.
But during the webinar, Paolo insisted that the most important thing for the Librandi wine brand was utilizing grapes from the region and maintaining a high standard of quality.
The winery is located in the town of Ciro Marina, the main Calabria DOC. This is a hilly town overlooking the Ionian Sea. Vineyards are planted in flat areas close to the sea and hills.
To imagine Calabria’s location more exactly, think of that 4th grade geography map of Italy and visualize “the boot”—this is Calabria.
Aside from the delicious wines, some of the most interesting parts of the webinar included Paolo talking about the old days when his grandfather started his empire. As his grandfather had six children, his idea was to buy six hectares of vineyards. This way, each child would have his own vineyard.
Six hectares turned into the present 230 hectares of vineyards. An enologist was hired, and a modern winery built. The company currently exports to 35 markets outside of Italy.
Librandi is dedicated to recovering the historic grapes of the region. Their team study the different native varieties and have built a museum to showcase them to visitors.
Librandi Wines Tasting
In the Librandi wines seminar, Paolo mentioned that the salinity of the sea is clear in the wine. This aroma and taste of “sea salt” and “sea spray” from the Ionian Sea is certainly prominent in the white wines, especially the Segno Librandi Ciro’ Bianco.
Segno Ciro’ Bianco Doc 2020
They made this wine from 100% of Greco Bianco, the native grape. It grows on clay/loam and calcareous soil. Fermentation is in stainless steel vats.
The wine has racy acidity, pronounced sea-spray aroma and sensation on the palate. It is a great wine to pair with seafood. Perfect with porcini mushrooms.
Paolo singled out this Greco Bianco grape, mentioning that it needs stress to get the perfect ripeness.
Critone IGT Calabria 2020
This is a delicious wine made from 90% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Made in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, crisp appeal. Bright, crisp, and refreshing.
Librandi Efeso 2019
They made Efeso from 100% Mantonico, one of the many indigenous grape varieties of Calabria.
This was one of my favorite wines with notes of almonds and honey, and a rich mouth-filling palate.
Librandi Tasting Continued
Segno Cirò Rosato Doc 2020
This is a lovely rosato wine made from 100% Gaglioppo (red) grapes. Similar to Chianti in its sour cherry flavors, violets, and slight earthy appeal.
Segno Cirò Rosso Classico Doc 2019
Paolo called this wine the “benchmark” expression of the Gaglioppo grape. It tastes of wild cherry and is similar in ways to a Chianti.
Duca Sanfelice Doc Cirò 2019
This deep, dark wine offers assertive tannins and ripe red fruit. The wine ages in steel and concrete vats where it rests for two years. A great pairing with many Italian dishes (pizza, pasta) and also grilled beef.
Gravello IGT Calabria 2017
This is a “Super Calabrian” wine made from 60% of the indigenous Gaglioppo grape and 40% of the international Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
The name Gravello translates to the word “serious” which means this is an important wine, capable of long aging.
It’s delicious with a deep color, notes of blackberry, ripe cherry, coffee, and cassis. On the palate, it is rich with velvety tannins and a long finish.
In Summary
The Librandi seminar was a fantastic introduction to the wines of Calabria, and to a family among the first to bring these wines from this magical land to thirsty international wine markets.
To learn more about Italian wine, check out these fantastic wine books.
