2023, Ippolito 1845 ‚Pecorello‚ Calabria

Elegant and vibrant, showing citrus, yellow fruit, and mineral tones balanced by freshness and finesse ‚¬” a refined expression of Calabriaof native Pecorello grape.

About the Winery: With over 170 years of history, Ippolito is the oldest winery in Calabria. Based in the historic centre of Cira² Marina ‚¬” the heart of Calabrian viticulture ‚¬” the familyof 100-hectare estate lies close to the Ionian Sea. Winemakers for five generations, the Ippolito family uphold a sustainable philosophy that protects the terroir, enhances native varieties, and preserves the surrounding ecosystem. Combining traditional expertise with vineyard research and innovation, they focus exclusively on indigenous grapes such as Gaglioppo, Greco Bianco, and Pecorello. For the past 15 years, Ippolito has led a viticultural research project dedicated to reviving and preserving local Calabrian varietals.

Vineyard: Pecorello, a native Calabrian grape, is known for its aromatic character and medium vigour. It ripens mid-to-late season and thrives in coastal vineyards influenced by Mediterranean breezes. The fruit for this wine is sourced from two prestigious vineyard sites ‚¬” *Feudo* and *Difesa Piana* ‚¬” located near the beach in Cira² Marina. The Feudo vineyard features deep, alluvial soils of medium texture, while Difesa Piana offers sandy-loam soils that enhance aromatic lift. The combination of varied soils, maritime influence, and organic, sustainable farming yields an elegant and expressive wine with a distinctly southern soul. The vines are trained on traditional espalier systems at a density of 5,600 plants per hectare and manually harvested in early September.

Winemaking: The grapes were cold-settled, crushed, and destemmed to preserve primary fruit aromas and avoid bitterness. The must was cooled to 14°C before gentle pressing, then clarified through cold settling at 8°C. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks over three weeks. The wine was then aged for four to five months in stainless steel, bottled unoaked to highlight varietal purity and freshness. *Pecorello* translates to ‚¬œlittle sheep‚¬ in Italian, reflected by the black sheep motif on the label ‚¬” symbolising individuality and Calabrian authenticity.

Appearance: Pale straw yellow with bright, golden reflections.

Aroma: Fresh aromas of citrus, yellow fruit, and Mediterranean herbs with subtle minerality and saline hints.

Palate: Lively and balanced, showing citrus and yellow stone fruit flavours supported by a mineral backbone. The texture is smooth yet refreshing, leading to a long, clean finish with coastal freshness.

Body: Medium-bodied with bright, saline energy and subtle fruit depth.

Acidity: Crisp and vibrant, providing structure and tension to the fruit core.

Cellaring Potential: Best enjoyed young for freshness, though it can develop added richness and nutty complexity over 3‚4 years.

Perfect Pairing: Ideal with seafood linguine, grilled squid, or lemon-roasted chicken; also pairs beautifully with burrata and herbs.

Serving Temperature: Serve chilled at 9‚10°C to emphasise minerality and aromatic vibrancy.

Contains sulphites. Information correct to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change according to vintage.