Enotria Tellus, the Land of Wine: This is what the ancient Greeks called Calabria (the toe of Italy's boot) when they first arrived in the eighth century BCE. There, they discovered a thriving wine culture, around which they built the colonial city Cremissa (modern day Cirò). Cremissa, as the wine was known, became so famous for its quality that Olympic champions drank it from a special chalice after distinguishing themselves during the games (now that's the kind of post-game ritual I can get on board with!). This is one of the oldest wine regions in Italy, an original Grand Cru that has continuously produced wine from antiquity until today.

Yet, many of you may be learning about Cirò for the first time. Located around the town of Cirò Marina overlooking the Ionian Sea, the wines from this historic appellation are unique, exciting and incredibly food friendly. The reds are made from Gaglioppo, Calabria's most celebrated grape, which produces light-colored, yet full-bodied wines with firm tannins, lovely fruit concentration and an alluring floral lift. Today, a collaborative spirit exists among local producers who are looking to reclaim the former recognition of Calabria, drawing a line from the great Cremissa wines of antiquity directly to Cirò today; a resurrection of one of Italy's first Grand Crus. Helping to lead that charge is Caparra & Siciliani, one of Cirò's leading producers. Here is their story...