Region: Calabria
History: Established as a DOC in 1969
Vineyard Area: 487 ha / 1,203 acres (2013, V)
Production: 31,100 hl (total 2013/14, V); avg. 320,000 cases bottled annually
Principal White Grape Varieties: Greco
Principal Red Grape Varieties: Gaglioppo
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco (Wh): Minimum 80% Greco Bianco + OAWG
ROSATO WINES
- Rosato (Ro): Minimum 80% Gaglioppo; maximum 20% OARG (maximum 10% Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and/or Sangiovese)
RED WINES
- Rosso (Rd): Minimum 80% Gaglioppo; maximum 20% OARG (maximum 10% Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and/or Sangiovese)
- Superiore (Rosso)
- Riserva (Rosso)
- Superiore Riserva (Rosso)
Subzone:
- Classico, from the communes of Cirò and Cirò Marina only
Significant Production Rules:
- Minimum alcohol level: 11.0% for Bianco; 12.5% for Rosato and Rosso; 13.5% for Superiore
- Residual sugar: Maximum 4 g/l (0.4%) for Rosso
- Aging: For Rosso, minimum approx. 7 months (ERD = June 1, V+1); for Riserva, minimum 2 years (ERD = January 1, V+3)
