IT - Southern Italy / Calabria

Answer 1

General

Most rural & least industrialised wine region; poor infrastructure; very fragmented ownership (avg < 0.5ha)

Climate

Mediterranean climate. Hot and dry near the coast most of the year. Winter in the interior can be cold & harsh.

Topography

The ‘toe’ of Italy; extreme south-west peninsula. Most of the vineyards are on the eastern & western coastline.

Mountainous area with 42% mountainous, 42% hilly and only 9% plains.

Answer 2

Reds (90% of production)

Gaglioppo

• Predominant red grape in Calabria
• Thrives in dry conditions and reaches hi sugar levels

Magliocco

• Dark-berried grape often blended w Gaglioppo

Others: Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Answer 3

Whites (10% of production)

1. Greco
2. Believed to be of Greek origin
3. Tends to mature very late
4. Deep colour w aromas of peaches & fresh green foliage (// Viognier)

Others: Montonico (sweet wines)

Trebbiano, Toscano, Malvasia, Chardonnay

Answer 4

Ciró DOC (R/W/R)

1. Located on the eastern coast, on the foothills of La Sila massif; calcareous marl, some clay and sand
2. Handful of producers w quality starting to be recognised.
3. Wines are typically very tannic and full bodied w strong fruit flavours. Can be a bit prickly and acidic. Best drunk 3-4 years after release to let the tannins soften.
4. Some producers are experimenting w barrique maturation to give the wine are more international style.

Others: Pollino DOC (near Basilicata), Greco di Bianco DOC (sweet wine from the south)

Answer 5

12 IGTs & 12 DOCs. No DOCG.

13,000ha for 0.5m hl/yr & only 6% DOC

Librandi (2m btls) is the best producer w ‘Gravello’, a Gaglioppo-Cabernet & ‘Magno Megonio’ from Magliocco.