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! — 4 days ago

Kurt Schmidt

8.9

Fruity with strong body and clean finish. Ausgezeichnet — 4 years ago

Monica Molina

9.9

Light, crisp, apple, — 5 years ago

Marisa Arpels

9.0

Delicious lagrein. Fruity. — 5 years ago

Sarah E

10

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

Raun Kupiec

9.0

Quite an unusual body and complexity for a Pinot Grigio. — 7 years ago

with Barbara

Jojo

9.0

Excellent wine! — 3 months ago

Anthony Ludwig

10

Holland wine tasting. Said was $140 — 4 months ago

Some Dude

8.9

This wine rocks. We had it with a dinner of chicken Milanese and a cheesy focaccia — it was an inspired match! Lean, with a little quince and a full mouthfeel with that delightful Italian acidity. — 6 months ago

Tatyana Murashova

9.0

2013 vintage — 5 years ago

Virginia Quinonez

9.2

Medium bodied, fruity and luscious red! Easy everyday wine, great with red pastas, pizza and hearty cheeses. — 5 years ago

종빈 최

9.0

예상과 다르게 맜있음. 멀롯인데 깔끈한 까쇼먹는 느낌. 오픈하고 다음날 먹었는데 더 맛있다 — 6 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

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. — 2 months ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

A barrel aged Chardonnay. Balanced with blossom and full body — 6 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of primarily Nero di Troia with some Aglianico blended in. Dark ruby color. Aromas of tart black and blue berries, tar and bitter baker’s chocolate. Flavors of cooked blackberries, black cherries and dark plums along with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco and baking spices. Long and lingering finish. Quite ripe, juicy, full bodied and concentrated. Nicely balanced and harmonious. Fantastic QPR. Excellent find! — 2 years ago

John ODonnell

9.5

Tastes like summer dreams and hopeful wishes....... i wish i was happy. — 5 years ago

Tatiana Chernova

9.0

Great wine🍷 — 6 years ago

Stuart Pollack

9.8

Wine perfection. Cranberry and licorice flavors, powerful licorice nose. Underrated on Vivino. Perfect with steak or lamb. — 7 years ago

Jodi Suguitan

9.4

@ Porta di basso in Peschici — 7 years ago