The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Calabria

DOCStill huntingNear impossible

Bivongi DOC

A remote DOC on the hills behind the Ionian coast, home to the Guardavalle grape and a few dozen hectares of vines. The reds are mid-weight blends of Gaglioppo and Nero d'Avola-type grapes with red cherry, dried herbs, a warm alcohol and rustic tannin; the whites are simple and nutty. Almost nothing is bottled under the name, and what exists is drunk in the province. Expect a countryside wine, not a polished one.

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Bottles I'm chasing

ProducerWinePriceBuy
Cantine Lavorata
Bivongi Rosso
The largest producer in the zone and the only one with any export footprint; soft, simple Gaglioppo-Nero d'Avola blend with cherry and herbs.
$10 to $15Wine-Searcher
Cantine Lavorata
Bivongi Bianco
Greco Bianco and Guardavalle blend; light, citrusy and nutty, drink young.
$10 to $15Wine-Searcher