Gaglioppo
Gaglioppo is the principal red grape of Calabria where it produces wine that is full-bodied, high in alcohol and tannins with a need for time in the bottle for it to soften in character. It responds well to barrel aging, which softens the tannins and makes a more integrated and harmonious wine. Typical of Italian grapes, it is a late ripener, which allows it to flourish in the hot climate of southern Italy. It has been hypothesized that Gaglioppo has Greek origin and was brought to Italy along with Aglianico more than 3000 years ago. However, recent studies using DNA profiling instead indicate an Italian origin. In fact, it is an offspring of Sangiovese.