Cirò Rosso Riserva becomes DOCG under the new name Cirò Classico. Cirò Bianco, Cirò Rosato, Cirò Rosso, Cirò Rosso Classico, Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore and Cirò Rosso Superiore remain within the DOC. Wine Calabria celebrates with the 18th edition of the Cirò Wine Festival.
Wine Calabria is living a historic moment. Thanks to the work of the Consorzio di Tutela Cirò e Melissa, it has obtained the recognition of the DOCG – Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita – for the Cirò Classico, Italy’s highest seal of oenological quality awarded with the approval of the EU Regulation no. 2025/1518.
The milestone marks a new era for the great Calabrian red wine, a wine symbol of the region and among the oldest Italian appellations. It is the result of a choral work that has seen institutions, producers and local communities united in a path of qualitative growth and enhancement of the territory.
“This achievement, declares Carlo Siciliani, President of the Protection Consortium – is the result of a collective work undertaken for years, made of territorial rootedness, productive rigor and strategic vision. Cirò Classico Docg is the most authentic and ambitious face of Calabrian wine. The Docg is not a point of arrival, but the beginning of a new phase. It pushes us to do even better, to invest more in landscape protection, training, traceability and communication. It is a recognition that belongs to everyone: wineries, farmers, technicians, local administrators, regional and national bodies. And everyone, from today, is its custodian.”
The new specification
The new specification introduces stricter rules and identity:
- at least 90% Gaglioppo grapes with Magliocco and Greco Nero (max 10%) as the only accessory varieties, excluding international varieties;
- production area limited to the historic territories of Cirò and Cirò Marina; maximum yield of 80 quintals per hectare;
- Minimum density of 4,000 vines per hectare with bush or espalier training;
- Minimum aging of 36 months, 6 of which in wood, and mandatory bottling exclusively in the area.
The Cirò Wine Festival
The Cirò Wine Festival, now in its 18th edition, scheduled for these days, is an opportunity to share this milestone with the general public, including tastings, culture, music and meetings. Three days of widespread events including e-bike tours, trekking, guided tastings, master classes, talks and dinners under the stars. In conclusion, on August 10, the spotlight will turn on the Saracen Markets in Cirò Marina for the grand collective toast. Scheduled are tasting counters with the Consortium’s wineries, traditional gastronomic specialties and concerts featuring Emilio Spataro, Mimmo Epifani with Tonino Carotone, special guest José Barros and DJ set by DJ Malena.
On August 10, glasses to the sky: Cirò toasts to its history and future with the seal of the DOCG, a symbol of excellence, identity and Calabrian pride.
