PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
This Ippolito Ciró Rosso Classico Superiore "Liber Pater" is made 100%  from the Gaglioppo grape, THE important indigenous red grape of Reggio Calabria in general, as well as to this subzone wine appellation known as Ciró .
In ancient Roman religion and mythology, Liber Pater (translated as "the free Father" from Latin), was a god of viticulture and wine, fertility and freedom. Liber Pater was a patron deity of Rome's plebeians and was part of their Aventine Triad.
It is said that Cirò was offered to winners of the ancient Olympics.

Here in Ciró in 1845, Vincenzo Ippolito stamped his initials on a country house that sat amongst vineyards, olive groves, and orange trees in the heart of the Marina of Ciró . With a 160+ year old history, Ippolito is Calabria’s oldest winery. Located in the historic center of Ciró Marina, the heart of Calabrian wine-growing, the company maintains a farm of over 100 hectares that are distributed amongst rolling hills and sunny plains near the Ionian Sea.

At the forefront of the company’s mission is the restoration and enhancement of indigenous grapes such Gaglioppo, Calabrese and Pecorello. Through constant research, the use of innovative techniques, and direct control throughout the entire production process, Ippolito wines convey elegance and a strong identity with their territory. The company believes in preserving their environment by using sustainable farming and winemaking methods.

Today Cantina Vincenzo Ippolito, which is located in Ciró Marina, Calabria Italy, is a firm that features 15 different wine labels on 4 continents. Its guiding principles, that were born over 170 years ago, are to promote the appreciation of its native vines, to safeguard the territory, to respect the traditions, nature and biodiversity of its native land. With the 5th generation at the helm, this is destined to continue for generations to come.

The wines of the wine appellation Ciró are predominantly red, containing at least 95% of the Gaglioppo grape and up to 5% of the white Greco bianco and Trebbiano grapes permitted. Rosés and white wines from at least 90% Greco bianco and up to 10% Trebbiano are also made in Cirò but in very limited quantities. While a common synonym of Trebbiano is Greco, the grape is separate and distinct from the Calabrian wine grape Greco bianco. The designation of Cirò classico will only appear on red wines.


Tasting notes from the winery:
"Ruby red in color with a light purple hue, complex aromas of wild berries, violets, spice and a soft note of oak provided by barrique aging. It is a full-bodied, rich and velvety wine. The authority and elegance of Gaglioppo, ancient and native grapes of Calabria, find their real expression in Liber Pater, a tribute to the Italic god of wine and vineyard"


PRODUCT DETAILS:
Producer Name: Cantina Vincenzo Ippolito
Old/New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Calabria
Sub-Region: Ciró
Appellation: Established as a DOC in 1969
Grape Varietals: 100% Gaglioppo
Vintage: 2019
Product Type: Wine
Wine Style: Full Bodied Red Wine
Viticultural Features: The Ippolito wine company believes in preserving their environment by using sustainable farming and winemaking methods. The Liber Pater Gaglioppo is made from 35-40 Years old vines.
Winemaking Techniques: The initial fermentation is in stainless steel, with a long maceration on the skins then with ageing of 10 months in French oak barrels.
ABV: 13.5%
Pack/Size: 12/750 ml
Container Type: Bordeaux-style bottle
Closure Style: cork