Cirò

~ Azienda Librandi ~

Librandi.  You may not be familiar with this family run estate in Southern Italy, but if that's the case, let this article change that and put these wines on your buying radar. 

The Librandi winery is a close knit family enterprise founded in 1950 by Antonio and Nicodemo Librandi.  Today the winery is run by Nicodemo, his two sons Paolo and Raffaele, his nephew Francesco and his niece Teresa.

Librandi is located in Cirò Marina, a small town in the southern Italian region of Calabria - the toe of Italy's "boot".  The magnificent Ionian coastline and the temperate climate provides the area with optimal conditions for grape growing, and the sea guarantees an excellent balance between day and night time temperatures. The estate is dedicated mostly to the traditional indigenous grape Gaglioppo, but the family also grows a modest amount of international varietals.  

~ Librandi Vineyards with an eye toward the Sea ~

I've written about Librandi's wines before, specifically the perennial Tre Bicchieri Gravello, which is a wine that should be in every Italian wine lover's cellar.  It's unique, it's special and it's a great value.

The subject of today's review is the value priced 2012 Librandi Cirò.  At $10-$12 this is a wine that simply cannot be ignored. It's interesting enough for the experienced taster to enjoy and affordable enough to serve to those less discerning.  

Don't be fooled by this wine's pale, light ruby color.  If you're not paying attention, you might mistake this for a rose; but you'd be wrong for it's simply the nature of the Gaglioppo grape.  Lively aromas of strawberry, sea air, mountain herbs and stones set the stage for the flavors to come.  On the palate, the wine is medium bodied - with structure belying the color of the wine.  The flavors of ripe berries, salinity and Mediterranean herbs are easily identifiable and make the wine unique. It's fresh, with wonderful acidity and was wonderful with both fresh mozzarella and Spring Risotto.  There's nothing not to like here.  Vinted exclusively in stainless steel, the wine is aged 8 months before bottling and then 6 months in the bottle prior to release.  87 points.  $11. 

~ 100% Gaglioppo ~

With this wine we had seared pork tenderloin over Risotto Primavera.  For details on how to make any Risotto, you can see this link:  Scared to make Risotto? 

For this version I used fresh baby spinach, spring peas, and a few mushrooms. Very simple and very fresh tasting. The one thing to remember is to stir the spinach in at the last minute and as soon as it wilts, serve.  Otherwise the spinach will release it's water and change the consistency of your risotto. 

The pork was rubbed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper and then just simply seared in a skillet on the cook top.  Delicious flavor and the smokey notes were perfect with the wine! 

Salute!  

~ Pork Tenderloin & Spring Risotto ~

Buona Pasqua!