When traveling to one of the southernmost wine regions of Italy, many think of Sicily, Taurasi, or Falanghina. Yet, there's a lesser-known world that often goes unnoticed, with grape varieties like the red Gaglioppo Nero, Magliocco, and many others waiting to be discovered.

The Rural Side of Italy

Calabria is located on the “toe” of the Italian boot, separated from Sicily by the narrow Strait of Messina. Its northern border with Basilicata is marked by the southern Apennine peaks, which act as a natural barrier against the hot winds.

For tourists seeking sun, the region is nearly perfect. Rainfall is scarce, and drought is more common, making Calabria an excellent alternative to more crowded holiday spots, with its beautiful sandy coastline offering a serene escape.

The region is largely mountainous and rural, with vineyards scattered across small, fragmented plots. About a century ago, Calabria boasted 250,000 acres /100,000 hectares of vineyards—an area comparable to today's German vineyards. However, the harsh climate, with its persistent drought and high temperatures, has led to the abandonment of many vineyards, reducing the region's vineyard area to about 10% of its former glory.

When speaking to local winemakers and sommeliers, they all seem to share the same opinion: despite the region producing less wine, they focus on quality over quantity.

Conducting a field visit, we can confirm that the region's quality deserves more attention and that they can keep up with other premium Italian regions.

Their mountainous terroir, is mainly home to co-operatives and middle-sized quality wine producers. Some producers only make a few thousand bottles and share the winemaking equipment and work for the greater goal rather than competitors.

The Various Landscapes of Calabria

Calabria is home to nine DOCs (sub-regions), which control nearly all of the region's wine production. Among them, the oldest and most renowned is Cirò. This historical and picturesque village, perched just above the coast, has been producing wine for thousands of years. Its Cirò Rosso Riserva, made predominantly from the Gaglioppo Nero grape, is aged in oak and offers a delicate body with light intensity. The ripe, fine-grained tannins are balanced, and with time, it develops savory and balsamic notes that complement its dried red fruit character—a true dream for wine lovers.

In contrast, the Greco di Bianco is a sweet wine with remarkable aging potential. The grapes are left to dry on the vine, concentrating their sugars. Often aged in concrete vessels or oak and then further developed in the bottle, this wine is typically released to the market after about 10 years. For those with a sweet tooth, this is an affordable yet rare treasure, as limited production volumes make it difficult to find outside of Italy.

A newer addition to Calabria's wine scene is the Terre di Cosenza DOC, established in 2011. This sub-region focuses primarily on the red Magliocco grape, producing medium-bodied wines with smooth tannins and moderate alcohol levels. Their savory character makes them excellent for pairing with grilled meats and vegetables.

Magliocco also sometimes appears in a delicate rosé version, while sparkling wines, made from Greco Bianco or Magliocco, are artisanal and fruit-driven—perfect for those seeking something unique.

Local Delicacy, alla Calabrese

When visiting Altomonte, we stumbled upon a simple but flavorful local dish known as “zafarani cruski”. Traditionally, poor farmers would hang and dry red peppers at home, as the region's hot, dry climate allowed them to dehydrate perfectly within six to eight weeks. Once dried, these peppers are deep-fried in extra virgin olive oil until they “pop.” Black olives are also fried, and the remaining oil is drizzled over the dish, seasoned with salt and pepper. This humble yet delicious meal pairs beautifully with a glass of Magliocco or one of Calabria's sparkling wines.

Calabria is an ideal vacation spot for those looking to experience the rural and authentic side of Italy. We recommend renting a car to explore the region's hidden corners. The combination of excellent gastronomy, quiet beaches, and consistently great weather makes Calabria a fantastic alternative to Sicily—a must-visit for anyone seeking something off the beaten path.

Peter Douglas