Ciro Wine Region

Italy's most southern area, Cirò, represents the nation's unadulterated natural beauty.  Cirò DOC is Calabria's first and oldest wine sub-region. The richness and refinement of Calabria's traditional wines and acclaimed traditional food contrast with the rugged landscape.  The region's mild temperature, closeness to the sea, mountain ranges, and untamed, undisturbed environment enable it to be home to some of Italy's most recognized food and wine products. Magna Graecia's rich historical legacy, lush national parks, mountains, beautiful beaches, wine, and, of course, gastronomy. All of this is waiting for you in the Cirò wine region.  This melting pot of cultures has helped Cirò to forge its own particular character within Italy, which can be seen in all facets of daily life. We encourage you to explore the exceptional wines that have made Ciro a favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide. Explore our website to learn about the Wineries in Ciro and arrange a wonderful winery tour. Learn more about Ciro Wine Tasting and Tours.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Cirò Wine Region

Where is the Ciro Wine Region?

Cirò is a sub-wine area of Calabria located on the Ionian Sea's central coast. It includes a winegrowing region that stretches from the foothills of the Sila Range to the seaside city of Cirò Marina and the surrounding hills.

Unique terroir of Ciro appellation

The Ciro wine area is located in the eastern slopes of the La Sila mountain range and stretches all the way to the Ionian shore in Calabria. 

In the province of Crotone, the appellation is concentrated on the towns of Ciro and Ciro Marina. 

The grapes may continue to grow throughout the growing season because of the good altitude circumstances, which cause temperatures to drop a bit at night. 

This area's soil is mostly calcareous marl, with occasional clay and sand deposits. Furthermore, this old Calabrian wine area is a truly sun-drenched portion of Italy, with beautiful scenery of ancient olive trees and sloping vineyards planted with a rare red grape—Gaglioppo.

The presence of the Mediterranean Sea is important for the terroir since the bulk of water helps to soften the high heat of the summer in southern Italy. Over the course of a summer day, the cooling and heating of the soil creates morning and afternoon breezes, which reduce the danger of fungal grape diseases and increase the climate's appropriateness for great viticulture. 

Another important element is that the grapes grow extremely well because, despite the fact that most of Calabria is hilly, there are some flat long regions along the shore.

History of Ciro DOC

Ciro has an extraordinarily legendary and rich history with wine production. Winemaking, which was brought by the early Greek settlers, has played an important part in the region's economy, with the territory gradually being exposed to a range of appellations.

Ciro is supposed to have been presented to the champions of the ancient Olympics. According to local mythology, the grapes were used to make Cremissa in a Greek colony known now as Ciro Marina, a liquor served as a toast to the gods by ancient Greek Olympians. As a result, at the 1968 Olympics, all participants were served Cir with their meals. 

Indeed, the Greeks brought the practice of winemaking to the area. Enotria, which means "country of wine," was the name given to the region. Records from the 4th century B.C. show that a vineyard in this location was worth six times the value of a grain-planted field of the same size. As a result, this proves that Ciro has a long history of ancient winemaking tradition.  Ciro is Calabria's first DOC, having been founded in 1969.

What is Ciro DOC Wine?

The Cirò DOC wines are generally red, comprising at least 95% Gaglioppo grape, whilst rosés and white wines have at least 90% Greco bianco grape. 

The predominant red wine grape grown in Cir is Gaglioppo. This local grape gives it delicate red fruit, allspice and cinnamon aromas, walnut notes, and a sharp, acidic structure that pairs well with spicy meats, stuffed peppers, pizza, lamb, and even fish like swordfish and sardine.

Its wines are one-of-a-kind. To make exceptional wines, winemakers must be willing to let the grapes ripen completely before allowing the juice to contact the skins for an extended period of time to absorb both color and tannins for structure. 

Due to its resistance to extreme heat and dryness, this grape variety thrives in this region. It has been cultivated in this area for many years and is still grown in the twelve DOCs of Calabria.

Food to Pair with Ciro wine

1. Mantecato Baccalà, Stoccafisso alla Veneziana 

This classic Italian meal consists mostly of salted fish simmered in a blend of water and milk. It is then carefully deboned before being mashed to a creamy yet firm consistency. 

At the end, the fish is generally enhanced with olive oil, garlic, and, if desired, parsley. The dish is regarded as a real delicacy since it is light, flavorful, and can range in texture from chunky to creamy. It is typically paired with grilled polenta or toasted, crispy bread.

2. Crotonese Pecorino cheese 

Pecorino Crotonese is a semi-firm aged sheep milk cheese with a distinctive sweet and salty taste. Crotonese is recognized for its earthy flavor and scent, which has more sheepiness and a distinct citrus note. 

This Calabrian cheese is named after the city and province of Crotone, where it is mostly made between January and June, when sheep's milk is of the highest quality and abundance. Pecorino Crotonese is matured in wicker baskets, resulting in characteristic hatch markings on the rind. 

Crotonese is classified into three types according to the length of maturation: Fresco, Semiduro, and Stagionato.

3. Lasagne in Bolognese sauce 

This rich and hearty piatto unico is usually constructed with layers of handmade, often spinach-flavored fresh egg lasagna noodles topped with béchamel sauce and ragù alla Bolognese, a thick beef sauce. 

Finally, lasagne alla Bolognese is generously dusted with Parmigiano-Reggiano, the Emilian king of cheeses, and cooked until soft on the inside with a delightfully crisp, browned top. This oven-baked classic is a specialty of the Emilia-Romagna region, and particularly of the city of Bologna. 

Surprisingly, many bolognese houses have a unique deep oven dish with handles called ruola, which is constructed of aluminum and is used to bake lasagne alla bolognese.

Places to visit near Ciro wine region

1. Spend the day at Tropea's beach

This is one of the most beautiful lengths of coastline in Calabria region, stretching from Pargelia through Tropea and Capo Vaticano, and on to Nicotera: verdant gardens and olive groves, territory where farming practices are still practiced. Tropea, perched on an enormous cliff, is one of Calabria's most famous tourist destinations, with gorgeous beaches alternated with high cliffs and coves accessible only by a small walk.

2. Discover Aspromonte National Park by taking a tour

The park was established in 1989 around a mountain range in Calabria that is part of the Apennines. The southernmost region of the "boot" is highlighted by incredible natural beauty: the contrast between mountains and water is so stark that it appears to be a different island. 

It's easy to go there from Reggio Calabria, Bagnara, Bovalino, and other seaside towns. The mountains reach their highest point around Gambarie d'aspromonte. It is absolutely worth seeing the "Garibaldi column" in Gambaria - this is the tree where the "red shirts" put the wounded hero of the Italian Risorgimento to rest. There is a historical museum nearby dedicated to this incident. In addition, Grupo Gea has mapped out various pathways in the park for individuals who want to go on walking excursions. 

3. Explore the allure of Borghi Calabria

Borgo are small villages and towns in Italy that have something special to offer. You will observe the actual life of the nation in them. 

The region contains a great number of tiny towns that are distinguished by its old charm and spectacular beauty and are located on the steep slopes and along the entire shore. Historical sites, craft stores, historic and traditional homes, civic and religious structures, and magnificent squares where you may feel the breath of the past. Do not miss the ancient city of Scalea, the hidden coves of Cape Scalea, Tropea — a pearl with palaces from the XVII and XVIII centuries; and the medieval fortress town of Gerace, located in the south near the archaeological site of Locri, from which you can enjoy an incredible view of the Ionian Sea coast.

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