Calabria, Italy
Despite the wild international popularity of Italian wines, Calabria continues to be one of the least-heralded and, often, most forgotten region in the country. Calabria is located at the "toe" of the Italian peninsula, much closer to Sicily than to any of mainland Italy. Over 90% of the region's wine production is red wine, an astonishingly high ratio, with the majority of those wines made from the grape Gaglioppo.
Despite its lack of name recognition, Calabria is home to some of the most ancient winemaking sites in the world. Not only that but Calabria is where the name Italy even comes from. Historical perspective aside, the geography and climate of the region vary greatly from what's found near the coastlines to what is experienced more inland. Cantine Odoardi is close to the coastline, where it is hot and dry, helping to produce reds with high alcohol and viscosity.
This IGT Calabria Rosso is a blend of Gaglioppo, Magliocco, Nerello Cappuccio and Greco Nero. Aging takes place in used oak barriques. The color is deep and concentrated with heavy aromas of blueberry, blackberry, roasted chestnuts and roasted coffee. It's dense and rich on the palate with the same dark fruits buoyed by the heavy tones of cocoa and roasted, toasty notes. It has depth and length, finishing with a hint of graphite through the rich, brooding notes. Generous tannins.
Great with pomodoro, bolognese, hamburgers and the Calabrian specialty 'Nduja, among many other things.