2015 Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva

Husband-and-wife team Francesco and Laura de Franco own and operate the 'A Vita winery, which is located further inland, away from the bulk of producers working with Gaglioppo, on hillsides between the Ionian Sea and the Sila Mountains. Practices here are all organic and as hands-off as possible once the fruit arrives at the winery. Location of the vineyards and production of varietal Gaglioppo wines separates 'A Vita from other Cirò producers. This presents challenges but also the potential to make true regional wines. The winery seeks full ripeness with the Gaglioppo grape, creating deep, characterful Ciròs with excellent tannin management. Gentle extractions and macerations, spontaneous fermentations and moving the fruit and juice completely with gravity throughout all processes in the winery are a big part of how they achieve the balance found in their wines. These are still heavily structured wines but they’re also harmonious and full of character. The production itself is also quite small in comparison to most other wineries in the region, and the wines are held back and released later.