Cirò on the Ionian coast of Calabria is Italy's oldest continuously named wine DOC — Krimisa (ancient Greek) was celebrated by ancient poets and given to Olympian athletes at the games. The indigenous Gaglioppo grape on ancient limestone and clay soils produces Calabria's benchmark red: medium-bodied with rose hip, sour cherry, saline mineral, and a Burgundy-like elegance at low tannin. Renaissance producer Librandi and the natural wine movement have brought Cirò to contemporary attention. The DOC was established in 1969.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | Ionian coastal conditions were warm and characterful; Gaglioppo showed its characteristic rose-hip saline freshness. |
| 2022 | — | Outstanding southern Italian vintage; limestone-clay Cirò terroirs produced Gaglioppo of exceptional depth and finesse. |
| 2021 | — | Reliable Calabrian vintage; ancient limestone soils delivered consistent quality from indigenous varieties. |
| 2020 | — | Solid year; the Ionian maritime influence maintained characteristic freshness in what was a warm Mediterranean growing season. |
| 2019 | — | Fine Cirò vintage; natural wine producers and Librandi produced Gaglioppo of international recognition-worthy quality. |
| 2018 | — | Hot and dry; drought concentrated flavours in old-vine Gaglioppo |
| 2017 | — | Variable year; artisan producers delivered quality through careful selection |