Calabria Wine

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Calabria is a region located at the southern tip of the “boot” of Italy. This peninsula kicks into the the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, with the Strait of Messina separating it from Sicily. This close proximity to the island has made it a destination for numerous civilizations and invaders over the centuries. The ancient Greeks were the first to bring in vines and produce wines there, starting a successful trade source. They called it Enotria, land of wine, before that name came to encompass the rest of the southern territories. From this time on, pretty much any ethnic group settled in Calabria at one point or another or together, including Gypsies. After the late 19th century Phylloxera crisis wiped out many of Calabria’s vineyards, as it did in most of the world, the region took a very long time to recover. It hasn’t been until recently that Calabrian wines have regained recognition in the rest of the world.

Calabria is most famous for Cirò, which comes in rosso Read more »

Calabria is most famous for Cirò, which comes in rosso, bianco and rosato. This is said to be one of the oldest wines in the history of the world. The ancient Greeks produced a form of Cirò that was imported and consumed in Cremissa, a Greek colony now known as Cirò Marina. This wine was purportedly used to toast athletes in the ancient Greek Olympics, and was served as a nod to history to celebrate the 1968 games in Greece. Archeological digs have uncovered ancient viaducts, or in this case, “vinoducts,” that must have been been a direct connection from what served as the winery to other buildings. Who needs plumbing when you have home wine taps?

Red Cirò is produced from 95% Gaglioppo, the region’s starring indigenous red, with an allowable 5% Greco Bianco and Trebbiano Toscana. The white grapes are employed to soften the tannins and round out flavors, much as Viognier does with the reds from the Rhône in France. There is also a Cirò Rosso Classico, meaning wines from the original, classic and highest quality vineyard source. The Riserva is aged a minimum of 24 months, with six months in oak. There is also a Superiore both in and outside the Classico zone. White Cirò is based on Greco Bianco, most often as a varietal release, but sometimes blended with a small percentage of Trebbiano. Cirò rosato uses the same varietals as rosso with less maceration time.

In all there are 12 DOCs in Calabria, but as yet no DOCG titles. Some of the other DOCs are just starting to gain global recognition. Toward the western side are Pollino in the north and Lamezia, Savuto, Verbicaro and Donnici going south. Bivongi, Melissa and S. Anna di Isola di Capo line the east coast. Most of these feature Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Aglianico, Nerello Mascalese, Nocera and Caprese (the local Nero d’Avola). The whites are based on Greco Bianco and Trebbiano, with Ansonica and Malvasia. These are released as both single varietals and blends. Producers are also playing with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay for IGTs. ~Amanda Schuster

– Description from Amanda Schuster (hide)

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Varietals Produced in Calabria View all

Cabernet Sauvignon

“King of the Red Wine Grapes.” The colonizer of the vineyards, pushing native wine grapes into its shadows. The Caber...
Chardonnay

British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, C...
Vermentino

History of the grape: Little concrete history is known about Vermentino except that it has recently been identified a...
Greco
Nero d'Avola

History of the grape: The name translates to “Black [grape] of Avola,” referring to the town in Sicily where it was f...

Subregions of Calabria

Cirò

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Calabria on Snooth

March 2013

Odoardi Savuto 2005

Snoothrank:

Dry but fruity to start. Easy to drink. Read More

Wine review by jillyjillian
February 2013

Librandi Cirò Rosso Classico 2010

Snoothrank:

a bit harsh. Read More

Wine review by calywa
February 2013

Cantine Campoverde Hiùri 2010

Snoothrank:

The color is great - shades of orange and pink, very intense.The aroma - strawberry, wild strawberry, when cooled - it's pleasant and easy to drink.When warm - the aroma is different - sweeter with chocolate, some spices, strawberry jam, but the taste is bitter in aftertaste.Not bad young wine.: 100% : 12% : 2,4/: - /: - , : ', Read More

Wine review by alanb1108
January 2013

Statti Gaglioppo Calabria IGT 2010

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by Barberolo
January 2013

Librandi Ciro Duca San Felice Riserva 2004

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by Barberolo
September 2012

Val di Neto Melissa DOC Mutro 2006

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by nelipot
June 2012

Masino Nero di Calabria IGT I Greco

Snoothrank:

A great Nero without being too dry or acidic. Almost a "Tuscan light". Tried the Tuma version, but surprisingly too light for a Southern Italian red, almost a rose' but spicy. Read More

Wine review by Baritono
April 2012

Librandi Efeso Val di Neto IGT 2007

Snoothrank:

Showing a touch of wood on the nose, this displays attractive aromas of lemon, prosciutto, sage, lemongrass and a hint of hickory. A bit of sweetness up front doesnt detract from the voluptuous, extremely attractive mouthfeel of this. This really caresses the mouth with gossamer richness. Its got some attractive flavors as well, kind of subtle ... Read More

Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz
April 2012

Librandi Cirò Bianco 2010

Snoothrank:

Lovely nose full of apple fruit topped with notes of hawthorn, cream and light floral notes. Light and crisp in the mouth yet with lovely intensity of yellow apple fruit up front and flavors that allude to sweetness. This is round, yet not soft with fairly intense fruit flavors draped over a lean framework that powers through on the finish deli... Read More

Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz
March 2012

Bodegas Federico Ribera del Duero Federico Crianza 2005

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by gntop1