Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Ippolito 1845 – Mare Chiaro Cirò Bianco 2025 – Cirò DOC, Calabria, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A joyful expression of Calabria’s flagship white grape, 100% Greco Bianco. Produced near the Ionian Sea, Mare Chiaro beautifully captures the region’s coastal identity with vibrant freshness, saline minerality, and Mediterranean character. Far from a conventional white wine, it offers both remarkable drinkability and a fascinating glimpse into one of Italy’s oldest wine regions.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright aromas of citrus, white peach, tropical fruit, white flowers, and fresh herbs lead into flavors of lemon zest, pear, stone fruit, and subtle saline minerality. The finish is crisp, savory, and distinctly reminiscent of a sea breeze.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with lively acidity and a beautifully balanced texture. Refreshing, mineral-driven, and wonderfully clean, it glides effortlessly across the palate before finishing with lingering coastal freshness.

Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled octopus, oysters, seafood pasta, fried calamari, ceviche, grilled fish, or fresh burrata with herbs.

Verdict
A delicious coastal white that overdelivers in personality and originality. Fresh, expressive, and endlessly drinkable, it showcases why Calabria deserves far more attention among lovers of distinctive Italian white wines.

Did You Know?
Greco Bianco has been cultivated in Calabria for well over two millennia, with roots tracing back to the arrival of Greek settlers in southern Italy during the era of Magna Graecia (“Greater Greece”). Today, it remains the historic backbone of Cirò Bianco and one of Italy’s oldest continuously cultivated indigenous white grapes.

🍷 Personal Pick
This bottle was simply fun from the very first sip. I loved its coastal personality, saline finish, and the way it kept inviting another glass without ever becoming heavy. It’s the kind of wine I enjoy pouring blind because almost everyone asks the same question afterward: “What was that? Can I have another glass?” That’s always a great sign. Cheers! — 15 days ago

Melissa Gill

9.2

Sea salt, stonez — 6 years ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured out of a 1.5L and this was lights out good. I love the 2005 vintage in Barbaresco and this was a beautiful example and seemed to have so much left in the tank! The fruit was still bright and full of life. Tannins are still firm. Great acid for food and paired beautifully with frutta di mare fra diavolo. Secondary characteristics are just barely creeping into the fore. Wish I had another mag to drink in 2029. — 7 years ago

Jeroen Wagemans

8.9

@Anthony De Blasi — 7 years ago

with Amanda

Mariko Hart

9.0

Fruity at first... But calms down considerably for a dry and wonderful finish. Love it — 7 years ago

Radu Cotescu

10

A tad sweeter than expected, especially after it had some time to breathe. Perfect with steaks, game or aged cheese. — 9 years ago

Jojo

9.0

Excellent wine! — 3 months ago

Michael Chelus

9.3

Cherry, raspberry preserves, currant, mossy earth, oak and hints of stewed fruit. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 5 months ago

Stefani Donabedian-Soucy

10

Had at carne mare in Nashville for John’s bday. Beautiful nose and so smooth! Need to see if Casey can get this! — 2 years ago

Matthew

9.1

Delicious wine from romania — 6 years ago

David Valenti

8.9

Mocha, roasted spices ie fennel, pepper, but also hints of white chocolate. Full-bodied with dry tannins. Thick and greasy palate. Long, elegant. Great work. — 7 years ago

Joe Gillies

9.1

First Croatian wine. Saw this and even at $37 had to try. Well worse the money. Young and needs a decant or a nice grilled steak.
Pnp. Very aromatic right off the bat. Black cherry, Forest floor, mushrooms, and a touch of green pepper. Highly recommend giving this a chance especially if you are a fan of other old world wines. — 7 years ago

Michael Hayatian

9.0

Great, light tasting, and organic! — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Syrah and 5% Petite Sirah, deep Ruby color with aromas of red and black fruits with tobacco and woodsy spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry and blackberry with smoky tobacco, black pepper and herb notes. Medium+ finish, fine tannins, ending with fruit and spice. — 3 months ago

Mark S.

8.9

Slight oak and black fruits. Tabasco. Concentrated. A bit spicy but with sweetness. Smooth from initial. Gentle tannin. Aurelia Visinescu Anima Merlot Dealu Mare 17 @3740, Yang, 240323-240403 — 2 years ago

Eric Smith

9.1

All around great. Rich. Smooth. Not aweet — 6 years ago

Sarah E

10

At Altro Paradiso with Maggie and Tammy and Camilla — 6 years ago

hiro

9.0

5日間美味しく飲めた☺ — 7 years ago

Alec Jeffery

8.9

Great food wine, live Sicilian wines — 7 years ago

Simon Weston

9.0

Randy’s suggestion - had to have it with a little fevertree tonic. Olive & thyme botanicals. Smooth and good - almost makes my top 5. — 7 years ago