Unveiling the Magnificence of Giramondo Calabria IGT 2017: A Journey into the World of Calabrian Natural Wine
The Giramondo Calabria IGT 2018 from the l’Acino winery goes against the usual stereotype of a strong and high-alcohol Calabrian wine. It is an elegant and subtle macerated white that goes beyond the usual salty finish to explore the aromatic depths of a great wine like the aromatic Malvasia di Candia.
We told you a lie: It’s actually a very alcoholic wine that reaches 15 degrees, but you won’t feel it. The three-dimensionality of the wine and the good acidity mask the power of the alcohol, which is dispersed between salt and balsamic flavors. It certainly isn’t a Pagadebit-style wine, but it certainly doesn’t suffer from taste atrophy.
How it is produced
The vineyard from which this wine is obtained is 1.2 hectares and is managed in a clean and natural way. No pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or selected yeasts are used. The must macerates on the skins for one day and then rests in steel and inert containers so as not to mark the innate elegance of Malvasia with wood. It is not filtered, it is not clarified, and the malolactic fermentation is not prevented.
Organoleptic characteristics
What you will find in the bottle is a brave and sunny wine. A gallop on the Calabrian coast with enveloping and imaginative scents of candied citron, resin, pine, seaweed, and dates The classic aromatic ardor of Malvasia moves in the Mediterranean scrub; it is encrusted with salt and breeze; it does not explode as an end in itself but is articulated on an impressive mineral push. Finishes slightly smoky, with almonds, flowers, and a hint of cereal.
On the palate, the flavors are dense and layered. The amplitude is great; it does not stop only at the duet between salt and acid, but with courage it touches the tannic audacity, the depth, and offers a thick structure. The balance is good; it has a rustic touch that invites and plays down all this opulence. Good drinkability.
As mentioned, it is alcoholic, but it is not particularly soft; the bow points towards the waves of the sea.
It is not a difficult or obscure wine, but it needs to be interpreted for a moment, and first of all, it takes time in the glass before it opens. The grit and the fabric are there.
Price
11–13 euros: an honest price to pay for an excellent natural wine that will not disappoint you.
Pairings
Vitello Tonnato, truffle risotto, pasta alla carbonara, paella mixta.
