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! — 11 hours ago

Eric Smith

9.1

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

Michael Mugmon

9.5

Brought this home from the office before the lockdown. I carried this back from London, where this is one of the main gins they serve at the Dukes Bar for their legendary martinis. Hope I can get back there again. — 6 years ago

Sarah E

10

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

C. Robinson

9.2

This is a really good flavorful solid gin. Perfect on one large rock with a lime. — 7 years ago

Patrick Nolan

9.1

Honey Gin from Father IL — 7 years ago

Jojo

9.0

Excellent wine! — 3 months ago

A L

10

Minori Select Edition: Smoother than Standard Edition
Start - Strong / Bitter
Finish - Very smooth
Overall = Excellent (Even as a shot)
Favorite gin so far — 4 months ago

Jerry Dixon

9.2

Had this in Rome at VALENTYNE piano bar May 2023 — 3 years ago

Melissa Gill

9.2

Sea salt, stonez — 6 years ago

John Han

9.5

봄베이 사파이어 다음으로 맛나는 진 — 6 years ago

Andrew Eddy

9.0

Beefeater Martini up with a twist. Hawaiian sunset. Perfect. — 7 years ago

with Lisa

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

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

Michael Chelus

9.3

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

Louis Martin

9.2

One of the best sakes I’ve had. Floral bouquet, smooth, silky, semi-sweet, amazing to pair with flavorful fresh nigiri. Tried it at Mako in Chicago and was a highlight of the wine and sake pairing Omakase experience. — 5 years ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.2

Mazf y omar a
Japon 4/17 — 6 years ago

Philip Patston

9.2

One of the classic London Dry gins. Great for g and t and as martini. Quite assertive so maybe not for everyone. — 6 years ago

A. R.

9.2

Super interesting, very clean and bright gin. — 7 years ago

Dawn E.

8.9

Ummm... ok! My husband placed this in front of me! My go to if not having wine!! Chocolate ice cream as well! Feeling lucky that I have tomorrow off! 😜 — 7 years ago