Calabria Wine

This page explores the regional wines of Calabria, including their history, the diversity of local terroirs, and the indigenous grapes that shape the region’s character.

Historical vines: the roots of Calabrian wine

The story of wine in Calabria is as old as the region itself, with roots reaching back to the time of the ancient Greeks, who called this land “Enotria,” meaning “land of wine.” Greek settlers brought vine cultivation skills and a grape that would become an ancestor of many of Calabria’s indigenous varieties.

Despite turbulent historical periods, viticulture persisted, often sustained by monastic orders during the Middle Ages.

Geographical diversity: the lifeblood of Calabrian terroir

Calabria is a land of contrasts, with undulating hills, long coastal stretches, and the imposing presence of the Pollino and Sila mountains. This topographical mosaic, paired with a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes, creates a range of microclimates that show up clearly in the region’s wines.

Calabrian soils, rich in minerals from the mountainous backbones, can lend distinctive qualities to the wines, infusing them with an unmistakable sense of place.

The grapes: indigenous varieties at the region’s beating heart

Calabria’s viticultural identity is closely linked to its indigenous grape varieties. Among the reds, Gaglioppo is the best known, particularly in the Cirò areas, producing wines that balance power and finesse.

Key red grapes

• Gaglioppo
• Magliocco
• Greco Nero
• Nerello Cappuccio

On the white spectrum, Greco Bianco leads, creating crisp and aromatic wines. Other notable white grapes include Guardavalle, Mantonico, and Malvasia.

Key white grapes

• Greco Bianco
• Guardavalle
• Mantonico
• Malvasia

Cirò: the crown jewel of Calabrian wines

Cirò wine, named after the small town and surrounding area where it is produced, is Calabria’s most famous export and historically significant wine, with links to the Olympic athletes of ancient Greece. Cirò wines come in red, white, and rosé variations, but Cirò Rosso—primarily made from Gaglioppo—most clearly captures the essence of Calabrian winemaking.

This red wine is characterised by its ruby colour, with hints of spice and red fruits, and a robust structure that can allow for ageing potential.

Modern winemaking: balancing tradition and innovation

The modern era has seen Calabrian winemakers embrace new technologies and methods while maintaining respect for tradition. The challenge is to enhance the distinctive qualities of indigenous varieties without losing their identity.

Many wineries invest in temperature-controlled fermentation and age wines in a mix of new and old oak barrels to refine profiles while highlighting Calabria’s terroir.

Sustainability: a commitment to nature and heritage

As global focus on sustainability grows, Calabrian vintners are leaning into organic and biodynamic practices to preserve the region’s natural beauty and respond to eco-conscious consumers. The inherent resistance of many native grape varieties to pests and diseases can support a less interventionist approach to viticulture.

This can foster a more harmonious relationship between vineyards and their natural surroundings.

Enotourism: Calabria’s invitation to wine lovers

Calabria’s wine tourism offers travellers a chance to experience its viticulture at close range. From rustic, family-run estates to larger, more modern wineries, visitors can explore cellars, walk through sunlit vineyards, and enjoy tastings that often include local culinary specialities.

Wine festivals and harvest celebrations throughout the year provide an accessible gateway into the region’s wine culture and traditions.

Wine and gastronomy: a marriage of flavours

Calabrian wines are best appreciated alongside the region’s robust cuisine. The tannins of Gaglioppo-based reds complement hearty flavours such as spicy sausages and aged cheeses, while crisp whites pair naturally with Calabria’s seafood and vegetable-based dishes.

The future of Calabrian wines: an emerging force

The future looks bright as more wine drinkers seek out lesser-known Italian regions. Calabria’s challenge is to maintain the uniqueness of its wines while raising their profile globally.

With a new generation of winemakers at the helm, there is a concerted effort to promote Calabrian wines as stories worth discovering as well as bottles worth opening.

Notable Calabrian wines

Calabria is home to a diverse range of wines, many made from indigenous grape varieties that remain relatively unknown outside the region. Below is a practical list of notable names and appellations.

Red wines

• Cirò DOC: Made primarily from Gaglioppo; styles range from lighter and fruit-driven to more robust and complex expressions.
• Gaglioppo IGT: Gaglioppo vinified as IGT wines across Calabria, showing different styles by producer and terroir.
• Val di Neto IGT: Wines made from both indigenous and international varieties; can be monovarietal or blends.
• Savuto DOC: A blend including Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Nerello Cappuccio, and others, producing a medium-bodied red.
• Pollino DOC: Made from Gaglioppo and other local red varieties from the area around the Pollino massif.
• Donnici DOC: Incorporates Gaglioppo and Malvasia Nera; produced in central Calabria.

White wines

• Greco di Bianco DOC: A sweet white wine produced from Greco grapes in the area around Bianco, with a long history.
• Cirò Bianco DOC: Made from Greco Bianco; typically dry with crisp acidity and fresh flavours.
• Melissa DOC: Whites primarily from Greco Bianco and Trebbiano, often fresh and aromatic in style.

Rosé wines

• Cirò Rosato DOC: Made from Gaglioppo, known for a vibrant pink colour and fruity character.

Dessert wines

• Moscato di Saracena: Produced using dried Moscato grapes, often blended with other local varieties.

Lesser-known DOCs and IGTs

• Bivongi DOC: Produces both red and white wines from local grape varieties.
• Lamezia DOC: A range of styles (red, white, and rosé) from the Lamezia Terme area.
• Scavigna DOC: Produces red and white wines from vineyards between the Tyrrhenian coast and the Serre mountains.
• San Vito di Luzzi DOC: A small DOC producing mainly red wines from Gaglioppo and other varieties.
• Verbicaro DOC: Reds, whites, and rosés from northern Calabria.
• Esaro IGT: A broad geographical indication allowing for a wide range of grape blends and styles.

Notable wineries and their wines

• Librandi: Known for quality wines from both indigenous and international grape varieties, including a Cirò line.
• Statti: Produces a range of wines, including those from Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco.
• Odoardi: Produces a range of wines reflecting the diversity of Calabrian terroir.
• Senatore Vini: Focuses on traditional Calabrian wines, including those made from Magliocco and Greco Nero.

Conclusion: Calabria’s liquid anthology

The wines of Calabria form a liquid anthology of the region’s history, landscapes, and people. Each bottle can encapsulate the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, the resilience of indigenous vines, and the tenacity of generations of winemakers.

For those drawn to authentic wine regions and distinctive native varieties, Calabria offers a journey that is deeply rooted in the past and increasingly confident in the present.