IGT Calabria I.G.T. wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Indicazione geografica tipica

The Calabria IGT covers the entire administrative territory of the Calabria region, at the southern tip of the Italian peninsula, between the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east. It spans the five provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro, Crotone, Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia. The landscape is dominated by mountains and hills, with plains covering only a small share of the territory, apart from a few areas such as Sant'Eufemia, Sibari and Gioia. The Mediterranean climate is softened by the influence of both seas. The grape varieties combine native cultivars such as Gaglioppo, Greco Bianco, Greco Nero, Magliocco, Mantonico, Pecorello and Nocera with international varieties including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese. This designation differs from the region's more geographically restricted DOC appellations through the size of its area and the diversity of its grape varieties.

The wines of this appellation

Calabria IGT produces white, red and rosé wines, along with sparkling versions, passito wines made from dried grapes, and novello wines. Whites, often grown in windswept coastal areas, show a pale yellow colour, a fresh and aromatic nose, and a lively, harmonious palate. Reds display a deeper ruby to garnet hue, a vinous nose and a warm, fleshy structure reflecting the Mediterranean climate; rosés sit between the two, leaning toward fruity, easy-drinking profiles. Whites pair readily with fish, seafood and light starters, while reds suit grilled meats, cured pork products and the slow-cooked dishes typical of Calabrian cuisine. Rosés lend themselves to a wider range of occasions, from aperitifs to summer meals.