Cirò Classico becomes Calabria’s first DOCG. This recognition follows the EU Commission’s approval of the Cirò Classico Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG), which was registered as a PDO in the European Union register. This Calabrian Denomination thus joins the ranks of other Italian wine excellences recognized and protected at the EU level.
“The Geographical Indication system is the path to follow to ensure the proper recognition of the work of our farmers, our products, and our territories,” said Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry. Italy confirms its leadership in quality. The inclusion of Cirò Classico among the protected European excellences is further recognition of the strength and value of our production system. Wine is a cornerstone of Made in Italy, and Calabria is a region that in recent years has demonstrated a renewed ability to promote itself by focusing on quality. Today, Italy boasts over 890 DOP, IGP, TSG, and IGI products: a heritage that is a source of pride, but also a responsibility, to which the Meloni Government has been clearly committed from the outset.
Green light for Cirò Classico DOCG: a new chapter begins for the Calabrian denomination
Cirò Classico Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin wines are produced throughout the administrative territory of the municipalities of Cirò and Cirò Marina. The district, located in the coastal hill area, extends from sea level to a maximum altitude of 462 meters above sea level and represents the oldest vine-growing area in the entire region.
Cirò Classico DOCG is ruby red in color with garnet highlights and is distinguished by an intense and complex aroma, with prominent notes of red fruit and spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied, harmonious, and persistent, with an evolution that makes it increasingly velvety over time.
A sensory balance born from the perfect synergy between variety and terroir: Gaglioppo, in fact, has been deeply rooted in the Cirò area for centuries, where it benefits from sedimentary soils rich in rock and minerals, as well as a unique microclimate influenced by the Ionian Sea to the east and the Sila hills to the west.
With the Cirò Classico DOCG, Calabria’s wine region takes a decisive step toward recognizing its own winemaking identity, founded on the valorization of the terroir, native grape varieties, and the daily work of a cohesive and passionate community, now represented by over 300 winemakers and 71 wineries. This achievement strengthens the prestige of the production area and opens new prospects for the future of the Denomination.
