Gaglioppo

Gaglioppo is one of Italy's most underrated grape varieties. According to the 2010 vine census (still the latest one in 2023) there are just over 4,000 hectares in Italy, down from over 10,000 in 1970. It is most famous for producing Calabria's DOC Cirò and a few other smaller and even less well known DOCs.

Although it is genetically distinct from Nebbiolo, these varieties could be brothers. They share the same characteristics of high acidity, pale colour, dry tannins, and a distinct earthy character. Their similarities led to Gaglioppo being shipped to the north of Italy to be illicitly bottled as Barolo, bolstering up the weaker vintages. Thankfully, this no longer happens.

At Noble Grape, we cherish varieties like this and celebrate their unique characters.