Cirò

The Protected Designation of Origin "Cirò" includes white, rosé and red wines. The Rosso is also produced in the following types: Classico, Classico Superiore, Classico Superiore Riserva, Superiore e Superiore Riserva.

Grapes

The Rosso and Rosato wines are produced using grapes from vineyards made up of at least 80% Gaglioppo grapes. For the remaining part, and up to a maximum of 20%, other red grapes suitable for cultivation in Calabria can contribute to the realization. Barbera, Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot, however, can only represent 10%. White wines, on the other hand, are produced with 80% Greco Bianco and the rest with grapes from other white grapes grown in the region.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The different types of Cirò Rosso (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 12.5% vol.) have a ruby red aspect, more or less intense, with violet reflections, and tend to garnet in the Riserva. The olfactory notes are pleasant, delicate and intensely vinous, while the palate is dry, full-bodied, warm, harmonious and velvety (when aged). If the minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of the reds reaches 13.5% vol. can be used the specific Superiore. Cirò Rosato (12.5% vol.), on the other hand, has a rosé tone, with variable intensity depending on the production. It has a delicate and vinous aroma, combined with a flavour that ranges from dry to sweet, fresh, harmonious and pleasant. Finally, the White (11% vol.) is straw yellow, with possible greenish reflections. It has a harmonious and pleasant aroma and a taste that goes from dry to sweet, harmonious and delicate. 

Grape production area

The district of Cirò falls in the northern part of the provincia of Crotone, bordering the coast of the Ionian coast and the slopes of Sila.

Specificity and historical notes

The name Cirò derives from the Greek Krimisa, an ancient colony that stood where now there is Cirò Marina. The city, not by chance, was home to an important temple dedicated to the god Bacchus. In the Hellenic period, moreover, Cirò wine was offered as a gift to athletes who won the Olympics.