Discovering Calabrian Zibibbo: a journey through history, flavors and traditions
Calabrian Zibibbo: A Treasure of the Costa Viola and Costa degli Dei
On February 1st, 2025, the Enoteca Culturale Altafiumara (Altafiumara Cultural Wine Cellar) took center stage for an evening celebrating Calabrian Zibibbo—a unique grape variety that encapsulates millennia of history, culture, and tradition. Organized by the Calabria Wild Wine Association, the event offered a multi-sensory journey to discover this jewel of Calabrian viticulture.
The History and Lore of Calabrian Zibibbo
During the evening, guests explored the origins of Zibibbo, whose name derives from the Arabic word "zabīb," meaning raisin—highlighting its deep-rooted connection to the Mediterranean basin. This vine has found its ideal habitat among the terraced cliffs of the Costa Viola and the Costa degli Dei, where favorable climatic conditions and mineral-rich soils make it unique in the world.
The discussion touched upon the role played by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans in spreading this variety, as well as the significance of the dry-stone wall terraces, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Annalisa Morello, a young winemaker from the Azienda Agricola Morello, shared insights into the challenges of heroic viticulture, which is practiced on steep slopes with gradients exceeding 40%. Built using traditional techniques, these terraces do not merely protect the land from hydrogeological risk; they stand as prime examples of environmental engineering and the preservation of local traditions.
A special focus was also dedicated to the health benefits of Calabrian Zibibbo, spotlighting a study by the Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro. The research analyzed the properties of its seeds, uncovering their remarkable antioxidant potential.
An Excellence of the Costa Viola: Azienda Agricola Morello
A key highlight of the event was the story shared by Annalisa Morello, who represents the second generation of the Azienda Agricola Morello, located in the heart of the Costa Viola in Bagnara Calabra. The winery stands out for its heroic viticulture carried out on dry-stone terraces—a traditional technique that supports cultivation while acting as a unique cultural and landscape heritage.
Founded in 1992, the estate is a shining example of how passion and innovation can coexist. With two hectares dedicated to Zibibbo cultivation, the Morello family has developed a sustainable farming system that enhances the grape’s inherent qualities, thanks to a favorable microclimate and mineral-rich soils. Vineyard management follows meticulous, nature-respecting practices, such as short spur-pruning, which promotes vine longevity and grape quality.
Annalisa emphasized how every cluster of Zibibbo is the fruit of daily labor, care, and dedication. Cultivating on slopes greater than 40% demands significant physical and logistical effort, yet it guarantees a one-of-a-kind product boasting intense flavor and unmistakable aromatic characteristics. Beyond winemaking, the estate is deeply committed to regional promotion, championing sustainable agricultural practices and the preservation of biodiversity.
The Magic of the Tasting: Where Wine Meets Fine Dining
The pinnacle of the evening was the tasting of four Calabrian Zibibbo labels, each paired with a bespoke dish crafted by Executive Chef Antonio Battaglia. Every course paid homage to Calabrian gastronomic tradition, skillfully reinterpreted to elevate the wine’s aromatic and organoleptic properties:
- Origine e Identità “20-18 Metodo Classico”: Warm house-baked bread served with black Aspromonte pork mortadella and almond mayonnaise.
- Agri Costa Viola “Gramà”: Trap-caught prawn salad with potatoes, pink grapefruit, green apple, and Lipari capers.
- Masicei “Ruggia”: Risotto with langoustines, butter, sage, and lemon.
- Ceramida “Oro d’Aspromonte”: Viola-Dei Cheesecake, a dessert that brought the tasting to a close with a touch of elegance and refinement.
Guiding attendees along this enogastronomic path was sommelier Riccardo Cannistraci, who brilliantly narrated the distinctive traits of each wine, enriching the experience with technical details and captivating anecdotes.
Don't Miss the Next Event: Calabrian Rosé Wines
The evening beautifully wove together history, science, tradition, and innovation, leaving participants with an indelible memory of how Calabrian Zibibbo represents far more than just a product of the land—it is a true symbol of cultural and regional identity.
If you missed this unique event, we invite you to join our next gathering on February 10th, dedicated to the Rosé wines of Calabria, presented by Matteo Gallello.
Discover the secrets of another Calabrian excellence through a guided tasting of four labels, accompanied by a signature dish created by Chef Antonio Battaglia.
CLICK HERE to book your spot right away and seize the opportunity to experience a journey into the world of Calabrian winemaking.
