Gaglioppo is Calabria’s most important red grape. It is used in the historic and prestigious Cirò DOC wine, but also in other red and rosé wines. 

It is typically ruby red in color with garnet nuances that can deepen with age. From this wine, expect notes of ripe red berries, such as cherry and raspberry, along with hints of violets, licorice, earth, and spicy tobacco.

Gaglioppo vineyards are planted in calcareous marl and clay soils that extend from the foothills of the Sila Mountains down to the seaside.

Notable winemakers: Librandi, ‘A Vita, Cataldo, Calabretta and Santa Venere

Greco di Bianco is a prestigious, amber-colored dessert wine from Calabria's Ionian coast. It is arguably one of the region's most interesting wine. It is made from the Greco Bianco grape, which is believed to have been introduced to Italy by Greek settlers in the 7th century B.C.

Greco di Bianco is a passito-style wine, meaning the grapes are partially dried after harvest. This process concentrates the grapes' natural sugars and intensifies their flavors before fermentation. The partially dried, overripe grapes contribute to the wine's distinctive amber or golden color and produce a lusciously rich and velvety texture. The wine generally has a minimum alcohol level of 17%.

This wine has DOC status (PDO Protected Designation of Origin).

Notable winemakers: Azienda Agricola Baccellieri, Tenuta Dioscuri,Antonella Lombardo, and Librandi

Magliocco Dolce is an ancient red wine grape variety native to Calabria. While it was historically used as a blending grape, some quality-focused winemakers are now showcasing its varietal potential, crafting elegant and age-worthy wines.

Magliocco is intensely aromatic, with strong notes of dark berries and red fruits. With aging, these can develop into complex layers of spice, incense, and chocolate.

Notable winemakers: Tenute Ferrocinto, Giuseppe Calabrese, Terre del Gufo, Librandi, and Tenuta Celimarro

Mantonico Bianco is an ancient white grape variety native to Calabria. Historically, it was cultivated primarily on the region's Ionian (eastern) coast, with ampelographers suggesting it may have Greek origins. Known for its versatility, it is used to produce both crisp, dry whites and rich, sweet passito-style dessert wines.

Mantonico Bianco is a medium-bodied wine with a good acid structure. It is often described as having a savory character.

Notable winemakers: Librandi, Antonella Lombardo, Maria Baccellieri, and L'Acino

Pecorello is a refreshing and aromatic white wine from Calabria, made from an indigenous grape and not to confused with Pecorino, a more famous white grape from central Italy.

Pecorello was once a nearly forgotten grape but is now being revived by local winemakersgoes. The grapes have a bright, straw-yellow color, often with golden or greenish highlights. Pecorello’s aroma is complex and Mediterranean, featuring vibrant notes of citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit) and yellow-fleshed fruit (peach, melon, mango).

Notable winemakers: Ippolito 1845, Caparra & Siciliani and Serracavallo

Moscato di Saracena is a rare and prestigious sweet wine from the small village of Saracena in Calabria, made using a unique and ancient multi-grape process. Unlike other passito wines, it is produced by combining the concentrated must of non-aromatic grapes with a separate pressing of dried, aromatic Moscato grapes. The tradition was nearly lost but has been revived by local winemakers and is recognized as a Slow Food Presidium.

Notable winemakers: Cantine Viola, Feudo dei Sanseverino, Cantina Diana, and Azienda Agricola Maradei

Though primarily associated with Sicily, Zibibbo wine has a significant history in Calabria, particularly in the Province of Vibo Valentia. The Zibibbo grape was traditionally sold as a table grape, but is now being revived by local winemakers.

Unlike many sweet Muscat wines, Calabrian Zibibbo is often vinified in a dry style, allowing its complex aromatics to shine. The higher elevation of Calabria's terroir and proximity to the sea, impart a fragrant bouquet that is reminiscent of jasmine, honeysuckle, apricot, and melon.

Notable winemakers: Cantine Benvenuto and Calmacca