This wine is made from 100% Gaglioppo, a native southern Italian grape variety, which is medium-to-late ripening and produces soft, red wines from DOC Ciro in Calabria. The origins of the various species are unclear, but recent DNA testing suggests that they may be a descendant of Sangiovese. The Ippolito 1845 Gaglioppo grapes come from the flat vineyards of the Feudo estate, which is planted at 10 metres' elevation, and the hilly vineyards of the Mancuso estate, which is situated at 60 metres above sea level. The vines are between 15 and 20 years old and are trained on the traditional espalier system, using a horizontal spurred cordon pruning method. The vines are planted at a density of 5,600 plants per hectare. The soil composition is clay-limestone, which imparts freshness to the wines and encourages fine tannins. The vines are cultivated organically with copper, sulphur and bacillus rather than chemical sprays and mechanical weeding to prevent soil erosion and protect the vineyard's biodiversity.