Calabrian Vineyards

In ancient times, Calabria was known as Enotria or the land of wine.  In Ancient Greek, it was referred to as Οἰνωτρία –Oenotria.  Based on the tradition of Ancient Greek, the name Oenotria was derived from the youngest son of Lycaon, Οἴνωτρος (Oenotrus).  Thus, some Calabrian vineyards have been in existence dating back to the Ancient Greek period.

Some of the best Calabrian vineyards are found in the Province of Crotone and Cosenza.  Crotone produces the best wines like Cirò while Cosenza produces Cosenza.  Other significant grape varieties produced from these Calabrian areas include white Greco and red Gaglioppo.  At least 3% of total annual production of wines can be qualified as DOC.  Many producers come from local and ancient grape varieties that have been around dating back to 3000 years.

Cirò is home to one of the most famous Calabrian vineyards, which is located in the hills between Sibari and Crotone.  Local legend says that the athletes of Calabria drink Cirò wine in order to celebrate their success in early Olympic Games.  Nowadays, the wine of Cirò is referred to as one of the most “Greek-Italian” wines of the world.

Vineyards in Calabria cover 31,600 hectares where 3,400 hectares register as DOC plots.  The annual wine production of 1,100,000 hectoliters includes 90% red wine of the 40,000 hectoliters or 3.6 % DOC plots.  Gaglioppo in red wines and Greco in whites are two Greek grape varieties famous in Calabria.  The types of wine these varieties produce can vary depending on the region producing it.