Palikos (2015)

About this wine

Palikos Malaspina 2015 is a ruby red wine that presents a bouquet of fruity and slightly spicy aromas. On the palate, it is warm and soft, with subtle spice notes. This wine is crafted from a blend of 60% Gaglioppo and 40% Nerello Calabrese grapes, indigenous to Calabria. Gaglioppo, known for its resilience in dry climates, contributes to the wine's structure and red fruit flavors, while Nerello Calabrese adds complexity and depth. The combination of these varietals results in a wine that reflects the rich winemaking heritage of southern Italy.

About the grape

Gaglioppo is a native red grape from Calabria, Italy, known for its resilience in hot, dry climates and its ability to produce full-bodied wines with high tannins and alcohol content. Recent DNA studies suggest that Gaglioppo may be a descendant of the Sangiovese grape, indicating a deep-rooted Italian heritage. Nerello Calabrese, also known as Nerello Mascalese, is another indigenous red grape from southern Italy, primarily grown in Calabria and Sicily. It is believed to be an offspring of the Calabrian white grape Mantonico Bianco, highlighting its local origins. In the 2015 Malaspina Palikos, these two varietals are blended to create a wine that reflects the rich viticultural heritage of Calabria.

Quick facts

• 🏺 The Gaglioppo grape, a primary varietal in Palikos Malaspina 2015, is one of Italy's oldest, with roots tracing back to ancient Greek colonization in Calabria.
• 🍇 Gaglioppo is a natural crossing between Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco, highlighting its deep Italian heritage.
• 👣 The name 'Gaglioppo' is believed to derive from a Greek term meaning 'beautiful foot,' referring to the grape bunches' lush, plump appearance.
• 🍷 Gaglioppo wines are known for their unique reddish-orange hues, attributed to their distinctive anthocyanin profile.
• 🌋 Nerello Calabrese, also known as Nerello Mascalese, is a sibling to Sicily's Nerello Mascalese and contributes to the wine's complex flavor profile.

Palate profile

Producer

Azienda Vinicola Malaspina was founded in 1967 by Consolato Malaspina in Melito di Porto Salvo, Calabria, Italy. Consolato's passion for winemaking led him to establish the winery, which has since been dedicated to producing quality wines that reflect the rich traditions of the region. The winery is now managed by his four daughters—Domenica, Caterina, Irene, and Patrizia—who continue to uphold the family's commitment to viticulture. The vineyards are located in the Dareri district of Palizzi, at an elevation of about 600 meters, where indigenous grape varieties such as Calabrese Nero, Nocera, Gaglioppo, and Magliocco Dolce are cultivated. The winery also produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil from its 3-hectare olive grove.