Among the new releases from Ippolito 1845, this is the most fascinating and exotic. The 2015 160 Anni is made with air-dried Gaglioppo grapes. This results in a full-bodied red wine with distinctive power (14.5% alcohol) and density. The warm 2015 has evidently played an important role in shaping the intensity and overall exuberance of the bouquet. This wine shows sassy aromas of dried black currant, fig and prune. Some 40,000 bottles were made.

The 2010 160 Anni is made from Gaglioppo grapes that are dried on mats. Like the Ripasso process in northern Italy, the skins of those grapes are fermented with the juice of freshly harvested grapes. This double vinification makes for wines of greater intensity and personality. You get that sense here with aromas of dried cherries and cassis followed by leather and cured meat (the wine sees 12 months of barrique). It shows medium consistency but you certainly do feel the 15% alcohol. This wine celebrates the 160th anniversary of the estate.