Plan Your Wine Travel in Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria, located in the southern tip of Italy, offers a unique glimpse into the world of wine tourism, celebrated for its indigenous varieties like Gaglioppo and Greco. This region, part of the Calabria wine zone, boasts stunning coastal landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore renowned areas such as Cirò, Bivongi, and the picturesque Locride, where intimate winery visits and curated tasting experiences reveal the authentic flavors of this vibrant land.

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Reggio Calabria wine region is in Southern Italy, surrounded by mountains and sea. This wine region has a climate that's perfect for grape growing, as well as benefitting from plenty of sunshine. Wine lovers in this region often enjoy wines that are different from other regions because of their unique qualities and wine-producing style. We would love to offer you some of the delicious wines from Reggio Calabria wine region. Browse our site to see what we have to offer, then make a stop in the Reggio Calabria wine region.

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Where is the Reggio Calabria Wine Region

Reggio Calabria wine region is in southern Italy, between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

History of Reggio Calabria Wine

Calabria's history with wine goes back as far as ancient Greece. Many centuries ago, Greeks were cultivating the first grape vines here. For many years, Calabrian wines were also famous not just in Italy, but also in other European countries. Their glory began to dissipate, however, as competition arose from regions such as Bordeaux. They were closer both geographically and culturally to key markets such as London and Amsterdam. After the phylloxera epidemic devastated Calabria's vineyards in the 19th century, the wine industry here underwent a rapid decline. New World wine regions in the late 20th century began producing cheap quality wines that made an impact. The region has been trying to improve quality for a very long time, and is still in the process.

Terrior of Reggio Calabria

The best wines in Reggio Calabria are made out of the grapes that grow here, where the climate is hot during summer and cold snowy during winter. The large variations in temperature make the wine a lot more elegant. The soil of this area is mostly made up of calcareous marl with some clay and sand. The area had been the birthplace of ancient Calabrian wines and is a sunny yet beautiful countryside where you can find ancient vineyards.

Reggio Calabria Wine Characteristics 

The main areas in the region are grown are in the provinces of Crotone, Cosenza, Catanzaro and Reggio Calabria. Here you can find 9 DOP certifications and 9 IGPs. Some of the most important Italian red grapes are Gaglioppo, based on Cirò Rosso, Rosato and Melissa Rosso and Magliocco Dolce, typical of the DOP Terre di Cosenza. Greco Bianco is the main variety of Cirò Bianco and is primarily found in the DOCs of Bivongi and Lamezia. The Mantonico grape variety is also popular in this region.

Food to pair with Reggio Calabria Wine

1. Focaccia

You can add a range of toppings to this pita bread, such as olive oil, coarse salt, herbs and tomatoes. If you're looking for a savoury option then olives would be a great choice too. It is not clear who invented the unleavened bread, but historians believe it was either the Etruscans or ancient Greeks. Nowadays, flatbreads can be seen in many cultures throughout the Middle East. The word focaccia typically comes from the Latin panis focacius which translates to “hearth bread”. This word was created to reflect the fact that the bread was traditionally baked in coals in ancient times. Recipes for this bread spread over time and now it is commonly known as Focaccia. The indentations on Foccacia’s surface are intended to create a rough-hewn appearance. Made during baking, these indentations keep any large bubbles from forming on the surface. Today, savory focaccias can be topped with rosemary, garlic, cheese, and onions. Similarly, sweet focaccias are popularly topped with honey, raisins and sugar. We recommend Reggio Calabria wines with this dish.

2. Parmigiana

You'll find parmigiana di melanzane in southern Italy, and it's normally a dish that includes grilled or fried eggplant slices layered with tomato sauce flavoured with basil. One of the common ways to top it is by adding one or more cheeses. The popularity of eggplant casserole is widespread. From every corner of the country, it's also personalized to some extent by local additions. Regardless of its true origins and the many different takes on the classic recipe, Parmigiana di melanzane remains Southern Italian comfort food at its best, and is one of the most popular Italian dishes today. Reggio Calabria wines go well with this dish.

3. Minestrone

One of the roots of traditional Italian cuisine, minestrone is a thick, chunky soup made with whichever vegetables are in season. The vegetables must be chopped and simmered for a long time, though they can't turn mushy. Adding some rice or pasta at the end will complete this inexpensive, filling dish. The main difference between these soups is the method of cooking, minestrone being cooked in a broth with or without soffrito, and minestrone crudo being raw vegetables and herbs. The first version of the soup uses raw vegetables and often garlic-flavored olive oil added towards the end of cooking. However, the minestrone col soffritto is made with vegetables that are first sautéed in butter, oil or pork fat. The best thing about a wintery day is a warm, hearty soup. Minestrone is even better made in advance and served chilled or at room temperature, as it takes time for the flavors to develop. This soup goes well with Reggio Calabria wines.

Places to visit near Reggio Calabria

1. Basilica Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo

The Reggio Calabria Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy. The dedication is to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Formerly the archbishopric seat of the Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria, it is now that of the Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria.

2. Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria

The Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia, the Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria or Palazzo Piacentini is a museum in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy, housing an archaeological collection from sites in the region of Magna Graecia.

3. Opere di Rabarama

Scattered along Lungomare Falcomatà - the sea-facing promenade - Rabarama displays a series of three sculptures by Italian artist Rabarama. These Contemporary-style sculptures resemble men in meditative poses. They are covered with geometric designs and alphabets, and are positioned by the scenic beach. These large sculptures are a must-see!

4. Lungomare Falcomatà

Magical, romantic, and overlooking a unique location across the Mediterranean, the waterfront in Reggio Calabria is the natural extension of the city's historical center and is an essential stop for those who love the sea's charm. Defined as the most beautiful kilometre in Italy, this square is one of the soul's focal points. It is 1.7km long and it is considered among the most beautiful in Europe.

Frequently asked questions about

Reggio Calabria Wine Region

Which part of Italy is Reggio Calabria?

Reggio Calabria is in southern Italy, opposite the city of Messina in Sicily.

Is Reggio Calabria worth visiting?

Yes, Reggio Calabria is worth visiting. You'll be able to see some of the best wineries, as well as many other tourist attractions in the region.

What kind of grape varieties have Reggio Calabria wine region?

More than 90% of wine produced in Reggio Calabria is red, with Gaglioppo being the most popular grape variety. Second to it is Greco di Bianco, which originates from the area's Greek roots.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of Italy is Reggio Calabria?

Reggio Calabria is in southern Italy, opposite the city of Messina in Sicily.

Is Reggio Calabria worth visiting?

Yes, Reggio Calabria is worth visiting. You'll be able to see some of the best wineries, as well as many other tourist attractions in the region.

What kind of grape varieties have Reggio Calabria wine region?

More than 90% of wine produced in Reggio Calabria is red, with Gaglioppo being the most popular grape variety. Second to it is Greco di Bianco, which originates from the area's Greek roots.
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