Calabria

• Gaglioppo: Calabria’s flagship red grape, at the heart of Cirò Rosso. Structured and tannic, with bright acidity and notes of red cherry and spice. Wines often show a pale, Nebbiolo-like color.
• Greco Bianco: A versatile white grape making both fresh, dry Cirò Bianco and the rare sweet passito wine of Greco di Bianco DOC, where grapes are dried on straw mats for rich, honeyed flavors.
• Magliocco Canino: Key red grape in Terre di Cosenza, producing elegant, refined wines with depth and character.
• Mantonico Bianco: An ancient white variety, offering both aromatic dry and luscious sweet wines.
• Nerello Mascalese & Nerello Cappuccio: Reds with a Sicilian link, adding complexity and subtlety.
• Calabria IGT: Flexible appellation allowing innovative, terroir-driven wines, including the bold Cirò Revolution bottlings.

Calabria's terroir is a unique blend of sea, mountains, and various soils. The region's Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers and mild winters. Breezes from the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas help keep grape acidity high and reduce disease risks.

The Sila, Aspromonte, and Pollino mountains cause big temperature differences between warm days and cool nights, leading to a slow ripening process. This creates wines with complex flavors and bright acidity, key for structure and aging.

Soils vary from calcareous marl and clay near the coast to mineral-rich volcanic soils near the mountains, adding savory complexity to the wines. This "altitude advantage" and soil variety make Calabria a great place for producing balanced, high-quality wines as global temperatures rise.

Calabria is experiencing a winemaking revival, with both historic and innovative wineries leading the charge. Here are some notable names:

• Librandi: Situated in Cirò Marina, this internationally recognized estate is known for its dedication to local grapes like Gaglioppo.
• Ippolito 1845: The oldest winery in Calabria, focusing on biodynamic farming and native varieties.
• 'A Vita: Part of the Cirò Revolution, this winery emphasizes organic and minimal-intervention methods.
• Sergio Arcuri: Uses ancient techniques, such as alberello vines and palmenti, to craft traditional wines.
• Ceraudo: A pioneer in organic farming from Strongoli Marina.
• Statti: Located in Lamezia Terme, this estate combines tradition with sustainability.

Calabria’s winemaking renaissance is deeply rooted in sustainability, where traditional practices meet modern eco-conscious methods. This region, rich with native varietals like Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco, is committed to preserving its ancient grape heritage while addressing climate change challenges.

Producers here embrace organic and biodynamic farming, focusing on soil health and biodiversity through techniques like cover cropping and green manure. These practices not only reduce chemical use but also enhance the natural ecosystem, ensuring a resilient future for Calabria’s vineyards.

With its diverse terroir—from coastal clay soils to mineral-rich volcanic areas—Calabria is uniquely positioned to produce balanced wines with bright acidity, even as global temperatures rise. This blend of tradition and innovation underscores the region’s dedication to sustainable viticulture, making it a model for future-focused winemaking.

Calabria’s wine tourism offers a rich tapestry of experiences that harmonize the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and winemaking traditions.

Official wine trails, such as the Strade del Vino, guide visitors through premier wine destinations like the Ionian Coast and the Mountain Route, showcasing renowned DOCs such as Cirò and Terre di Cosenza.

These routes not only highlight the diversity of Calabria's terroir but also its dedication to native varietals like Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco.

Local cuisine, robust and flavorful, pairs perfectly with the region's wines, enhancing the tasting experience.

Festivals and events provide further insight into Calabria's vibrant wine culture, offering opportunities to explore through tastings, tours, and even cooking classes.

As Calabria continues to embrace sustainability and innovation, it stands as a beacon of tradition and modernity in the world of wine.