Costa Viola

The Protected Geographical Indication "Costa Viola"; includes different types of wines: white, red, red novello, rosé and rosé novello

Grapes

Costa Viola wines must be obtained from grapes coming from one or more varieties suitable for cultivation in Calabria. The specification of a specific vine is reserved for wines made from at least 85% of the grapes of that vine. For the remaining part, non-aromatic grape varieties of the same colour, suitable for cultivation in Calabria, may be added, up to a maximum of 15%

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The White Costa Viola"PGI wines are straw yellow in colour, with an intense aroma and a dry, harmonious flavour. The red typology has a ruby colour, exudes a vinous perfume and has a warm, harmonious flavour. The red novello has a stronger colour and an intense, fruity aroma. Finally, the rosé is more or less intense pink in colour, characterised by a fine aroma and a fresh, pleasant taste. In the new version, it differs in colour and fruitiness. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume shall be 11,00% vol. for white and rosé wines, 11,50% vol. for new rosé wines, 12,00% vol. for red and red novello

Grape production area

The production area includes the end of the "Calabria" boot, the stretch of coast between Scilla and Palmi just outside the "stretto" of Messina

Specificity and historical notes

It seems that Homer gave the name of Costa Viola to the coastal territory of the terminal area of Calabria. Calabrian wines boast a history of great celebrity, due in particular to their use as a gift to the winning athletes in Olympic competitions. Their fame soon turned them into a product of high commercial value, launched on the Mediterranean market by the ports of Sibari, Crotone and Locri.