A taste of Grecanici wines, from Palizzi PGI to Greco di Bianco PDO

We dedicate to lovers of wine tourism and slow living this small tasting itinerary in the Grecanica area of Calabria, the area in the province of Reggio Calabria overlooking the coast of the Lower Ionian Sea that is home to an ancient ethnic minority of Greek origin, custodian of language, traditions and food and wine excellence to be discovered.

In particular, along the stretch of the Costa dei Gelsomini between the municipalities of Palizzi and Bianco, in addition to the highly prized Bergamot of Reggio Calabria - Essential Oil PDO, we encounter the fragrances and flavours of two Calabrian branded wines that certainly deserve a closer look: Palizzi PGI wine and Greco di Bianco PDO wine.

Discovering Grecanici PGI and PDO wines

What are the special characteristics of these two wines? Palizzi PGI , declined in the red (also in the novello variant) and rosé types, is produced on about 25 hectares of vineyards scattered among the municipalities of Bova, Bova Marina, Brancaleone, Condofuri, Palizzi and Staiti. The Palizzi PGI red is characterised by its deep red colour and intense, unmistakable perfume, while the rosé is finer, fresher and more delicate.

Greco di Bianco PDO includes only the Passito wine type, ideal to accompany typical local desserts based on bergamot. The Greco di Bianco PDO production area includes the territory of the municipality of Bianco and part of that of the municipality of Casignana. For the production of this wine, partially dried grapes are used, placed on racks in the sun or in forced-air dryers. The grape variety of reference is Greco, which according to the PDO regulations must be present for a quota of no less than 95%. In the glass, this delicious raisin wine has a straw-yellow colour with amber reflections, an ethereal perfume and a flavour tending to the liqueur-like.

Visit to the Grecanici villages of good wine

Ready to dive into the history of the Greeks of Calabria, the crystal clear sea of the Costa dei Gelsomini and a glass of excellent local wine? Here is the short Ionian itinerary for a weekend of wine tourism.