2016 Du Cropio Serra Sanguigna Calabria Rosso IGT

Giuseppe Ippolito has some strong opinions. Firstly, that white wine isn't actually wine. Therefore, he only makes reds. Secondly, that since white wine isn't wine, his reds must pair with everything, including fish! If you ever have the pleasure of meeting him for a tasting, you will be welcomed to a spread of Calabrian cuisine, including tonno sotto olio (tuna preserved in oil), to prove that his wines pair with everything.

I love food. I especially love Calabrian cuisine, so naturally I couldn't help myself and went to town, so to speak. While I may have felt a touch uncomfortable with Giuseppe eagerly watching me as I ate the spread and sipped his wines, I must say...his wines are incredibly versatile.

Grapes are left on the vine to mature longer than typical, to soften the tannin. Fruits are ripe, verging on dried and rasinated, but the balance is surprising. The wine is medium bodied, with lifted acid as well as dark cherry fruits and a distinct peppery note. Try with pork roasts, red meats, and hard cheeses. Would also work well with heavily spiced, Mediterranean dishes.