Cirò Classico Superiore DOC Riserva Duca Sanfelice 2022 Librandi

What kind of wine it is

The Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva Duca Sanfelice made by Librandi is a Calabrian red wine with a structured, elegant profile. Crafted exclusively from Gaglioppo grapes, this wine shows solid character and well-integrated tannins. The winemaking aims to deliver an intense yet balanced experience, thanks to extended maturation that shapes the variety’s signature spicy profile. The prolonged time before bottling lends the wine a complex, well-defined expression, enhancing its natural richness.

Where it comes from

The grapes for this Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva come from vineyards between the Cirò area and the Val di Neto, on the foothills of the Sila plateau.

How it’s made

Harvest involves careful hand selection during the first ten days of October, ensuring that only healthy, fully ripe clusters reach the winery. Fermentation of the must takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing precise control of temperatures. This is followed by about a week of skin maceration to extract color and phenolic compounds. After fermentation, the wine rests for nearly three years in the same steel vessels before bottling—a long maturation that preserves the purity of primary aromas.

Tasting notes

In the glass it shows a deep ruby red color, enhanced by delicate garnet highlights that testify to its advanced maturation. On the nose it offers a rich, enveloping bouquet, with prominent notes of cinnamon and licorice up front. On the palate it reveals a harmonious, velvety flow, supported by a well-knit structure and a linear, straightforward progression. The sip concludes with a lingering finish, marked by clear echoes of tobacco and an overall sense of great balance.

Food pairings

This red is the ideal companion to highlight the intense flavors of roasts, game, and aged cheeses. Its innate softness and spicy streak pair perfectly with braised red meats and slow-cooked, rich sauces. For an impeccable regional match, the recommended pairing is with a traditional Calabrian dish such as fileja al ragù, which mirrors the wine’s robustness without overwhelming its aromas. It also shines alongside meat mains served with rustic sides, or with pecorino crotonese, elevating every bite.

When to serve it

Ideal to open during the cooler months, it’s a safe bet whenever you’re after a red that can handle hearty, flavorful dishes. It’s perfect for convivial gatherings around a generously set table or within a full, structured meal. Thanks to its extended time in the cellar, it already shows a well-defined aromatic profile and palate harmony ready to be appreciated. However, its complex, persistent nature also ensures excellent aging potential, allowing it to be opened even after several years of rest in bottle.