Cirò Gets Its Crown: Calabria’s First DOCG is Here

3 minutes readJul 31, 2025Lotte Gabrovits

Into the hype

Mediterranean wines, especially those from the southern part of Italy, have always found a great fan base. One of the top secret ‘must-haves' is the wines of Cirò. So we thought this kind of comeback deserves even more attention. Why? … you might be asking. Well, we are here to give you an answer. But to make things simple: Cirò is a combination of affordable quality and ancient tradition.

Tropea, Calabria, isn’t only famous for its wines but also for fabulous food and stunning landscape (Picture: Rainhard Wiesinger, unsplash.com)

Cirò DOC, The Italian Classic Got an Upgrade to DOCG

Cirò is the first DOC (since 1969) of Calabria and today produces around 4 million bottles per annum on around 1,500 hectares of vineyards. “Cirò Classico DOCG” was announced on July 18th, 2025, to be of a size of 500 hectares. With this ‘upgrade', the red classico wines of Cirò and Cirò Marina are part of the first DOCG of Calabria.

Grape Varieties & Style

DOCG: A minimum of 90% Gaglioppo, is required, with up to 10% Magliocco and/or Greco Nero of the two municipalities of Cirò and Cirò Marina. The alcohol content is at least 13% and an aging requirement exists of 36 months before release, of which 6 months have to happen in wooden barrels.
Rosso: Rosso wines have a minimum of 80 % (partly with 95 %) Gaglioppo, and up to 20 % international grape varieties, such as Cabernet Franc, Barbera, or Merlot.
Rosato: Rosato wines do have a minimum of 80 % Gaglioppo, therefore, you get as a result more structured and tannic rosé wines, deeper in colour.
Bianco: Bianco wines are mainly made of Greco Bianco (≥ 90 %), which results in wines of a more floral, saline character with hints of citrus.

Climate in Favour of the Wines

Sunshine along the Ionic Coastline is combined with hot days, fresh nights, and chalky, clay-based soils. These conditions result in wines with a mineralic touch and great balance.

Food Pairing Tips

Cirò reds are stunning partners with the strong cuisine you get from the Mediterranean.

With the reds: Grilled lamb, beef with spices, spicy Salam, or stuffed paprika
With the whites, such as Pecorino Crotonese DOP: baked Lasagne or spicy pasta with ragù
With Rosato wines: seafruit, bruschetta, light Mediterranean dishes

VinoVoss' Cirò Selection for You

The Take-Away

Cirò DOC in Calabria has just recently gained its DOCG status and convinces with its characterful wines of Gaglioppo. At Vinovoss, these wines fit perfectly in our portfolio, the thrilling discoveries, such as the authentic lighter red or rosé options. For all those who are into something original and powerful… You are perfectly right with the wines from Cirò.