- Fourth-generation winemaker preserving Cirò’s rich legacy.
- Committed to organic farming and minimal winemaking interference.
- Specializing in the native Gaglioppo grape, showcasing Cirò’s distinct character.
- Eco-friendly practices with organic methods and vegetarian-friendly wines.
- snacks + 4 wines
Calabria has (surprise!) a long tradition of winemaking. If you’ve traveled in southern Italy, or perhaps have become a fan of the Neapolitan shoot-em up gangster show, Gomorrah, you may also recognize Ciro as a person’s name. The name “Ciro” means “of the Sun”, and most likely both spellings mean something similar, as the land of Cirò is sun baked and truly embodies the definition of “warm mediterranean.”
The Greeks called Calabria, “Enotria” which means “land of wine”. Many southern Italian grapes are of Greek origin and in fact, the white grape Greco literally means “Greek.” The wine of Cirò was once called, “Krimisa”, a Greek name derived from the Greek colony of Cremissa, which was once located in what is now the comune of Cirò Marina. “Krimisa” was the wine offered to the winning athletes of the Olympics. travelled in southern Italy, or perhaps have become a fan of the Neapolitan shoot-em up gangster show, Gomorrah, you may also recognize Ciro as a person’s name. The name “Ciro” means “of the Sun”, and most likely both spellings mean something similar, as the land of Cirò is sun baked and truly embodies the definition of “warm mediterranean.”
Cataldo is one of the original founders of the Ciro' Revolution, a small group of grape farmers dedicated to showing the world the greatness of the Gaglioppo grape and the Cirò terroir. For them, the land comes first. They practice sustainable agriculture and/or are certified organic.
Cataldo is a fourth-generation grape grower and winemaker in Ciro'. He released his first signature wine, Cirò Rosso Classico Superiore DOC, in 2012. After studying oenology in Milan and working at various vineyards from 2000-2008, Cataldo returned home to Cirò Marina to renovate the family cellar and redefine the wines. The Calabretta family's cellar is located beneath their house in the port town, and has a rich winemaking tradition that dates back to the Georgians, the Byzantines, and Magna Grecian. Originally known as Ypsicron, the town's name was later shortened to Xirò, and eventually became known as Cirò.
