Calabria, located at the southern tip of continental Italy, is a land rich in history, culture, and, of course, vineyards and wines that reflect the unique character of this sun-kissed region. The wine appellations of Calabria bear witness to the richness and variety of the regional wine heritage, rooted in an ancient and deeply ingrained viticultural tradition.
Detailed Overview of Calabria’s Denominations of Origin
Calabria is home to 9 DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) and 10 IGT (Typical Geographical Indication) appellations. In the province of Cosenza, the wine zones of Pollino and Verbicaro, formerly autonomous DOCs, are now incorporated into the Terre di Cosenza DOC designation. Further south, in the province of Crotone, lies the Cirò area with the Cirò DOC, renowned for its red and rosé wines made from the native Gaglioppo grape, Savuto with the Savuto DOC, and the Val di Neto with the namesake Val di Neto IGT. These areas are known for their significant red wines, with Gaglioppo being the standout among the native grape varieties. In the extreme south, in the Reggio di Calabria area, is the designation of origin for the famous Greco di Bianco DOC sweet white wine, and the Costa Viola IGT. Let’s explore some of the peculiarities of these key appellations.
Cirò DOC
Perhaps the most famous among Calabrian appellations, the Cirò DOC encompasses an area around the town of Cirò Marina on the Ionian coast. This area is particularly known for Cirò Rosso, a wine with a strong character, primarily made from the Gaglioppo grape, which best expresses the qualities of the territory. Besides red, the Cirò DOC also includes white wines, mainly made from the Greco grape, and rosé.
Greco di Bianco DOC
Greco di Bianco is another highly prestigious wine, a sweet passito with extraordinary sweetness and intensity, produced in the eponymous area in southern Calabria. This wine, with a long history, is made from the Greco grape, dried in the sun to concentrate sugars and flavors before fermentation.
Terre di Cosenza DOC
This appellation was established more recently to highlight the wide variety of wines produced in the province of Cosenza, including several sub-zones and grape varieties, both native and international. Red, white, and rosé wines fall under this DOC, offering a broad spectrum of tastes and aromas.
Other Appellations
In addition to these, Calabria features other appellations of origin worth noting, such as the Bivongi DOC, Lamezia DOC, and Melissa DOC, each with its unique characteristics and typicalities reflecting the diversity of the regional viticultural landscape.
