Bivongi
BIVONGI (DOC)
Bivongi is a charming little town situated on the slopes of Monte Consolino, overlooking a valley rich in vineyards and olive groves, through which the Stilaro River flows. The town is situated in the northern part of the Reggio Calabria province, just 13 km from the coast of the Ionian Sea.
In the past, Bivongi was famous for its iron mines, srebra and molybdenum, thermal baths and wooden sculptures made by the inhabitants of this town. The area was also famous for its mulberry trees, wool production and silkworm farms (in Greek they are referred to as vomvix, which term is believed to be the origin of the name Bivongi). Ultimately, however, only olive oil production survived in these areas, wine and honey, and all other activities were abandoned, though still some old households still sometimes show hand looms.
Climatic conditions in Bivongi and the other nine municipalities, which make up the DOC appellation area of Bivongi wines in the provinces of Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro allow the use of traditional methods in the production of this wine. It is made exclusively from local grapevines: light varieties, such as Greco Bianco, Guardavalle and Montonico and dark varieties – Gaglioppo, Greco Nero i Calabrese.