The Calabrese grape offers a completely offbeat set of aromas and flavors. The 2015 Calabrise is a pure expression of this unknown grape from the deep south of Italy. It opens to a dark, saturated color. The bouquet makes sudden transitions from spice to prune, to dark fruit and black olive. There's a bit of tar and smoke in there, as well, despite the youthful vigor the wine puts on display. Calabrise is soft and velvety in texture with soft tannins.

The 2013 Calabrise was born as an experiment to test the potential of a rare native grape called Calabrese. This wine is the result. It opens to bold cherry nuances followed by rustic notes of crushed peppercorn and balsam herb. There is a sharpness and an edginess that you often find when you dig deep within the enormous patrimony of Italy's indigenous grapes. The wine feels angular and rigid in the mouth with equal billings for both the acidity and the tannins. Overall, it is a medium bodied red. If you are looking for authentic new tastes from southern Italy, this fascinating wine is right up your alley.