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WINES OF SOUTHERN ITALY
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Calabria
Twoof theoriginal tribes tosettleCalabriawerecalled the “Oenotria” or “vine-growers.”As archaeological
sites were excavated in the area, they discovered that grapes grown on the mountainsides had been
pressed and their juice transported to the seaports via aqueducts designed to handle wine. They also
found a few side aqueducts that took some of the wine directly to individual dwellings. In other words,
there had been primitive wine on tap!
Calabria has a reputation for being a harmonious and welcoming region. The Calabrese are regarded
as friendly and easygoing with a slower and steadier pace of life. The region is not crowded with big
cities; rather, it is home to high-mountain villages and red-roofed coastal villas. It’s no surprise that
Calabria’s scenic coastline brings an influx of tourists. It’s a coastline one poet described as “the most
beautiful in Italy.”
Calabrese wines are neither the refined masterpieces of Northern Italy, nor the awe-inspiring vintages
of Central Italy. Instead, they reflect the style of its people. They are easy-to-drink, unpretentious,
spicy wines aimed toward perfect food pairings.