Gaglioppo

Gaglioppo most likely originated in Italy, which VIVC records as its country of origin under the prime name Gaglioppo, variety number 4306. Its full pedigree has been confirmed by DNA markers: Gaglioppo is a cross of Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco. Nerello Mascalese has the same two parents, which makes it a full sibling, and WineWiki's VIVC-derived lineage data lists Catarratto, Ciliegiolo, Frappato and Perricone as half siblings. The VIVC passport flags offspring, but WineWiki's lineage data links no children for Gaglioppo.

• VIVC prime name: Gaglioppo; VIVC variety number 4306; country of origin: Italy (most likely)
• Parents: Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco (pedigree confirmed by DNA markers)
• Full sibling: Nerello Mascalese
• Half siblings: Catarratto, Ciliegiolo, Frappato and Perricone
• Offspring: flagged in the VIVC passport; none linked in WineWiki's lineage data

Gaglioppo is most likely Italian in origin, and DNA analysis shows it is an offspring of Sangiovese. Magliocco is among its synonyms.

• Most likely Italian in origin, and a Sangiovese offspring by DNA analysis
• Magliocco is among its synonyms

Gaglioppo is the main red grape variety of Calabria, in Italy's south, and it is grown almost exclusively in that region. Cirò is what the grape is best known for, and Gaglioppo is the foundation of both Cirò Rosso DOC and Cirò Rosato DOC.

• Primary home is Calabria, where it is grown almost exclusively
• Cirò is the appellation it is best known for

Gaglioppo gives red wines with robust tannins, chewy enough that they need ageing to soften. The wine is often pale and orange-tinged in the glass, with red berry and cherry fruit and a spicy, aromatic nose.

• Robust, chewy tannins that need ageing to soften
• Red berry and cherry flavors with spice on the nose
• Often pale and orange-tinged in the glass

Gaglioppo has thin skins. In Cirò, low rainfall and drying winds create dry conditions that help combat vine diseases such as downy and powdery mildew.

• Thin-skinned berries
• Dry conditions in Cirò help combat downy and powdery mildew

A new generation of winemakers is working to raise Cirò's standing. Wine Spectator reported that at larger producers such as Librandi, a younger generation has turned to making better wines in smaller quantities. Smaller producers founded the Cirò Revolution, whose members agree to use only 100% Gaglioppo and no barriques in ageing; 'A Vita, the label of Francesco De Franco, is one of its founders. The association had 11 members as of 2024, and Cirò wines are increasingly available on American wine lists.

• Wine Spectator reported a younger generation at larger producers such as Librandi making better wines in smaller quantities
• Cirò Revolution members use only 100% Gaglioppo and no barriques
• 'A Vita, Francesco De Franco's label, is a founding member
• Cirò wines are increasingly available on American wine lists

Primary sources: https://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=4306 ; https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.605934 ; https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-018-1576-y ; https://www.librandi.it/duca-sanfelice Reference sources: https://italianwinecentral.com/variety/gaglioppo/ ; https://www.decanter.com/wine/grape-varieties/gaglioppo-red-52710/ ; https://www.decanter.com/learn/what-is-ciro-a-regional-profile-532273/ ; https://www.winespectator.com/articles/calabrian-wine-rocks ; https://www.jancisrobinson.com/learn/grape-varieties/red/gaglioppo Last verified 2026-10-20