Cantine Ippolito: Calabrian Wines of Excellence Since 1845

History of Calabrian Wines and the Wines of Cirò Marina: A Land of Winemaking Tradition

Calabria is one of Italy’s oldest wine-producing regions, where viticulture dates back to ancient times, deeply intertwined with the history of the civilizations that inhabited this land. From the Greeks to the Romans, through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Calabrian wine has always been a central element of local culture. Among its most celebrated treasures, the wine of Cirò Marina holds a place of honor, symbolizing quality and historical continuity.

The Origins of Calabria Wine

The first traces of viticulture in Calabria date to the era of Magna Graecia, when Greek settlers introduced grapevines and winemaking techniques. The region quickly gained renown for producing robust and fragrant wines, often offered to the gods or used to celebrate athletic victories. Fertile soil and a Mediterranean climate fostered the development of vineyards that continue to define Calabria’s landscape today.

Cirò Marina: The Beating Heart of Calabrian Wine

Located along the Ionian coast, Cirò Marina is the epicenter of Calabria’s winemaking tradition. Here, the Gaglioppo grape, a symbol of the region, achieves its highest expression. This red wine, renowned for its structure and aromatic complexity, is deeply connected to the territory and its history. The Cirò DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) designation guarantees the quality and authenticity of wines produced in this area.

Calabrian Wine and Its Families

Calabria’s winemaking tradition is more than just an economic activity; it’s a true expression of local culture. Historic wineries like Cantine Ippolito have played a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing this heritage, bringing Calabria and its wines—such as Mare Chiaro—to tables around the world. Beyond its exceptional quality, Calabrian wine represents a deep bond with history and tradition. Every bottle tells a story of passion and dedication, passed down through generations.

The Contribution of Cantine Ippolito

One of the oldest wineries in Calabria, Cantine Ippolito has significantly contributed to the success of Cirò Marina wines. By adopting sustainable practices and prioritizing the local territory, the winery has elevated the quality of its wines, including the renowned Cirò Riserva Colli del Mancuso and the refined Ripe del Falco. Balancing innovation with respect for tradition, Cantine Ippolito remains a cornerstone of Calabria’s winemaking scene, showcasing how a focus on the land can translate into vinicultural excellence.

The History of the Ippolito Family and Winery: A Bond with the Land and 160 Years of Excellence

The history of the Ippolito family and their winery is deeply intertwined with that of Calabria, particularly the Cirò Marina region, one of the most iconic areas for Italian viticulture. Founded in 1845, the Ippolito family stands as one of Calabria’s oldest winemaking dynasties, upholding a tradition of excellence passed down through generations. With over 160 years of history, the Ippolito Winery has become a symbol of Calabrian winemaking tradition and a benchmark for producing high-quality wines.

The Origins of a Passion and a Dream of Quality

The Ippolito family began their journey into winemaking in the mid-19th century, during a time when Calabrian viticulture was primarily focused on local consumption. Thanks to their dedication and profound understanding of the land, the Ippolito family quickly distinguished themselves for the quality of their wines, garnering attention not only within Calabria but also beyond regional borders.

The winery was born from the family’s vision to unlock the potential of Calabria’s territory by producing authentic and distinctive wines. In its early years, the company concentrated on crafting wines for the local market, prioritizing quality over quantity. This meticulous attention to detail and respect for traditional processes soon became the hallmark of the Ippolito Winery, setting a foundation for its enduring legacy.

Reviving Calabrian Wines with Indigenous Varieties: Greco Bianco, Gaglioppo, and Pecorello

Greco Bianco: The White Soul of Calabria

Greco Bianco, one of Italy’s oldest grape varieties, reaches its peak expression along Calabria’s coasts. Here, sandy soils and a Mediterranean climate produce elegant, mineral-driven wines. Cantine Ippolito masterfully showcases this variety with Mare Chiaro, offering wines with intense aromas of citrus, white flowers, and saline notes—perfect for pairing with seafood and shellfish. Elevating Greco Bianco underscores Calabria’s enological vocation and positions it as an ambassador of the region on the international stage.

Gaglioppo: A Red of History and Character

Gaglioppo is the beating heart of Calabrian red wine production. Renowned for its longevity and adaptability, this grape yields wines of remarkable structure and aromatic complexity. Cantine Ippolito brings out the best in Gaglioppo, crafting labels that blend elegance and depth, with notes of red fruits, spices, and a signature earthy undertone. Through meticulous winemaking and aging, Gaglioppo wines stand out as true narrators of the territory and its traditions.

Pecorello: The Promise of the Future

Among Calabria’s emerging indigenous varieties, Pecorello is gaining increasing prominence. This vibrant white grape, known for its refreshing acidity, is a winning bet for Cantine Ippolito. Pecorello produces versatile, modern wines with notes of white-fleshed fruits, aromatic herbs, and an elegant minerality. Ongoing experimentation highlights its enormous potential to capture international markets and enrich Calabria’s white wine offerings. This dedication has earned international recognition, solidifying Cantine Ippolito’s reputation as a global ambassador for Calabrian wines.

160 Years of Tradition and Innovation at Ippolito Vini 1845

Celebrating 160 years of history, Cantine Ippolito pays tribute to its commitment to the land and its wines. Each bottle tells a story of passion and innovation passed down through generations. This legacy, proudly preserved by the Ippolito family, exemplifies how tradition and innovation can coexist, creating wines that continue to shape the history of Calabrian viticulture.

Estate-Managed Vineyards: A Model of Excellence

Cantine Ippolito directly manages its vineyards, ensuring complete control over every stage of the winemaking process. This approach lies at the heart of the winery, maintaining high-quality standards and maximizing the potential of Cirò Marina’s unique terroir.

Privately Owned Vineyards: A Deep Connection with the Land

The Ippolito vineyards span over 100 hectares in some of Calabria’s most renowned areas. With mineral-rich soils and a strategic location between hills and sea, these lands are ideal for cultivating indigenous varieties like Gaglioppo, Greco Bianco, and Pecorello.

The direct management of these vineyards allows for tailored agricultural practices that respect biodiversity and the land. This commitment not only preserves the natural environment but also enhances the unique characteristics of the grapes.

From Vineyards of Ciro Marina to the Bottle

Cantine Ippolito’s production process strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Hand-harvested grapes at peak ripeness undergo careful vinification to preserve their integrity and aromatic qualities.

The winery employs modern technology to optimize production while keeping traditional craftsmanship alive. Each phase, from fermentation to aging, is carefully supervised to ensure every bottle reflects the quality and passion that define the Ippolito brand.

Flagship Wines: 160 Years of Tradition and Excellence

Cantine Ippolito’s long history is celebrated through a range of wines representing the best of Cirò Marina’s terroir. Each label embodies passion, quality, and a profound connection to Calabria’s land.

Key Wines

Mare Chiaro – Cirò Bianco DOC

This fresh and elegant white wine, crafted from Greco Bianco grapes, stands out with its citrus and white flower aromas, complemented by a mineral finish. The grapes are hand-harvested and vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to preserve their aromatic freshness. Perfectly suited for grilled fish, shellfish like shrimp and lobster, and light seafood appetizers.

Pecorello – Calabria IGP

An exclusive white wine made from the native Pecorello grape. Handpicked grapes undergo gentle pressing and ferment in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, enhancing aromas of ripe fruit and delicate flowers. Ideal pairings include seafood-based first courses, grilled vegetables, vegetarian dishes, and tuna or salmon tartare.

Pescanera – Calabria Rosato IGP

A rosé crafted from Gaglioppo grapes, renowned for its seductive notes of ripe peach and red fruits. The grapes undergo cold maceration for a few hours to achieve a delicate rosé color, followed by fermentation at low temperatures. Best paired with fried fish or calamari, finger food appetizers, rice salads, or cold dishes.

Colli del Mancuso Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva DOC

A red wine of great structure and complexity, made from carefully selected Gaglioppo grapes. Following traditional fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels for at least 12 months, developing notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and a persistent finish. Perfect for pairing with red meats, roasts, or braised dishes, game such as wild boar or hare, aged cheeses, and traditional Calabrian dishes like baked goat or meat-based sauces.

Ripe del Falco Cirò Riserva DOC

160 Anni – Calabria Rosso IGP

This special wine, created to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Cantine Ippolito, is a true enological masterpiece. Meticulously crafted, Gaglioppo grapes are fermented and aged in oak barrels, resulting in a rich and complex aromatic profile with notes of dark fruits, chocolate, and vanilla. Perfect Pairings with Grilled beef cuts or steaks, braised dishes with red wine reduction, game meats such as pheasant or duck à l’orange

Discover the Wines of Cantine Ippolito in Our Online Enoteca

Each bottle encapsulates the history, passion, and craftsmanship of Calabria. Thanks to direct collaboration with producers, we guarantee authentic wines that tell the story of the land and its unique heritage.

Vinai del Borgo: Your Italian Wine Enoteca in Mondovi

After a long experience in the wine world, Paul Borgogno founded Borgogno Wines Selections in 1994, with the goal of selecting high-quality Italian wines for foreign markets. In 2021, we opened a new chapter with the launch of Vinai del Borgo Enoteca Mondovi (Cuneo in Langhe). Located in the historic center of Breo, near the Langhe, in the heart of Piedmont, the enoteca serves as a meeting point between tradition and innovation. Today, Vinai del Borgo serves customers in Italy, the EU, and the USA, further expanding our reach through our Online Shop. We have just launched our 'Friends with Wine Benefits Program,' allowing our customers to earn free wine by introducing us to their friends and fellow wine enthusiasts. Our idea, as always, is to focus on people, who are at the heart of the wine world.