Lamezia

"Lamezia" is a Protected Designation of Origin that includes the following types of wine. White, Red, Riserva Red, Novello, Rosato, Passito, Spumante, Spumante Rosato, Greco, Greco Nero, Gaglioppo and Mantonico.

Grapes

For the production of Lamezia Bianco grapes are used from vineyards composed of the Greco Bianco vine (at least 50%). Red, Rosé and Novello, on the other hand, require between 35% and 45% of Gaglioppo and Magliocco (alone or in combination) and between 25% and 45% of Greco nero and/or Marsigliana. In the passito, on the other hand, the Greco (50%) and Mantonico (35%) varieties are used. They are also the basis of sparkling wine and rose sparkling wine (to which Gaglioppo is added), with a minimum share of 85%. In all types, to the extent of the missing part, the specification allows the use of grapes from other non-aromatic varieties, suitable for cultivation in Calabria.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white wine (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 11% vol.) is straw yellow, more or less intense, with a fruity and characteristic flavour and dry, savoury and harmonious. The Rosso (12% vol.) has a tonality with variable intensity, which can tend to garnet; the aroma is vinous and the taste dry and harmonious. Similar characteristics to the Riserva variant (13% vol.), but with a pleasant aroma and possible hints of wood. Novello (11% vol.), on the other hand, is ruby red, with a fruity bouquet and a harmonious, fresh flavour. The rosé (11.5% vol.) is pink in colour, with a delicate and characteristic aroma and a fragrant and dry flavour. In the passito and spumante types, as well as in the single-varietal productions, the basic characteristics are enriched with peculiarities linked to the vinification technique or to the blending, all of which are described in detail in the regulations.

Grape production area

The production area, which covers the territory of nine municipalities in the province of Catanzaro, coincides with the Plain of Sant'Eufemia, at the foot of the Reventino massif.

Specificity and historical notes

The most accredited historical reconstruction wants that the wine, in the area of Lamezia, was introduced by the Phoenicians. For these reasons, Lamezia wines can boast a history that began in 2000 BC.