The 2015 Cirò Bianco Res Dei is a pure expression of the Calabrian grape Greco Bianco that offers a slightly saccharine quality with candied fruit, pineapple and butterscotch. This is an easy-drinking white wine with lean consistency and fresh acidity. A touch of herbal or menthol freshness appears on the close.

I've always been a fan of Greco Bianco, the white variety used in the 2013 Cirò Bianco Res Dei. A different grape from Italy's other "Greco" grapes, this variety offers a great sense of firmness and textural richness. It has some of the aromatic qualities of a Pinot Bianco with pear, Golden Delicious apple and melon. Res Dei is born from two harvests. It represents a blend of fruit harvested at the end of August (for higher acidity and crisper fruit flavors) and late-harvest fruit that comes off the vines four months later (to offer more complexity and structure).

This expression of Greco from Calabria offers a compact, lightweight feel with easy aromas of stone fruit and white mineral. It’s a fresh, clean and simple wine. ——M.L.(3/1/2011)—— 84

This Riserva from Calabria offers sweet aromas of Christmas spice and candied fruit backed by tobacco and tealeaf. It also offers earthy flavors of ripe fruit and prunes and ends with slightly astringent and sour tannins. Pair it with something sweet such as pasta with gorgonzola or piquant cheese.——M.L.(12/1/2009)—— 86