🇮🇹ITALIA–Sicilia

SICILIA IS–  DOCG.- 1     DOC.- 29     IGT.- 9    @Palmero

• BIANCO= Catarratto 34% AKA=Lucido, Inzolia 6% AKA=Ansonica, Grillo 5%, Trebbiano 4%, Albanello, Carricante, Damaschino, Fiano, Garganega, Grecanico AKA=Garganega, Malvasia(Bianca Candia), Minella Bianca, Moscadella, Trebbiano(Giallo), Trebbiano(Toscano), Vermentino, Zibibbo AKA=Muscat Alexandria/ Moscato Bianco
  • –Internationale– Chardonnay, Muller-Thurgau, Muscat Blanc Petit Grains, Pinot Blanco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avalo 16% AKA=Calabrese, Nerello Mascalese 5%, Aglianico, Acitana, Calabrese di Montenero, Catanese, Cesanese, Ciliegiolo, Corinto Nero, Frappato, Gaglioppo, Minella Nera, Nerello Capuccio, Nocero, Perricone/ Pignatelo, Sangiovese
  • –Internationale– Merlot 4%, Syrah 4%, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Petit Verdot, Pinot Nero AKA=Pinot Noir

GEOGRAFIA– Italia(South-West), REGION-Sicilia, LATITUDE: 38.6° ‘N’

• PROVINCIA-(9)-Trapani, Palermo, Agrigento, Messina, Etna, Caltanissetta, Siracusa, Ragusa

TOPOGRAFIA– 

• Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraced”
  • On/ In~Mediterranean~Sea~, (280km. Long & 100km. Wide)
  • Island Off the Italian Peninsula, the Largest Island In Mediterranean Sea.
• Events- Conversion of Eurasian Tectonic Plate and African Plate
  • VOLCANISM~ ~Etna~  ~Pantelleria~  ~Lipari~

TERRE– “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, “Volcanic”

CLIMA– “Mediterranean”  With “Continental” Influence

• *Summers– Hot, Dry   |   *Winters– Cold
• +WINDS/ ~Grecale~ Origins… South From Malta
  • ~Maestrale~ Origins… South-East From the Adriatic Ocean
  • ~Sirocco~ Origins… South-East From the Sahara Desert

VITICULTURA– 99,000ha. Planted

• BARRELS– Traditionally  Produced From Slovanian and Durmast Oak, Now Modest Amounts of French Oak is Used
• MAJOR PRODUCERS– Donnafugata- Produces Wine From 405ha. of Vines Across 4 Estates Wineries.
  • Contessa Entellina DOC. (283ha.)   |   Pantelleria DOCG. (68ha.)
  • Vittoria DOCG. (36ha.)   |   Mt. Etna DOC./ Randazzo-Passopisciaro (18ha.)

VINICULTURA– (64% Bianco/ 36% Rosso)

• Varietal,  Bianco,  Rosato,  Rosso,  Risera,  Superiore,  Liquorosa,  Spumante/ Fizzante,  Passito,  Secco,  Dolce Naurale,  Vendemmia Tardiva
• Wine From Sicily Are Said to Possess Noticeable Salinity.

STORIA– A Cross-Roads With Influences by Many Cultures and Religions.  Over the Centuries Invasions by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans All Have Left Their Mark and Culture.

• 728 BC. @Sicilia– Greeks Acquired and Starting Planting Vines, Know as Magna Graecia.
• 1800’s  @Sicilia– Phloxera
• 1900’s @Sicilia– Marked by a Century of Wars and Poverty.
  • A Nation Wide Economic Crisis Let Wine Makers and Traders, Sawmills and Coopers Abandon Their Trade and Half of the Vineyards Went Daralic.
• 2ooo’s @Sicilia–  The Last 25 Years Has Seen a Resurgent In the Regions Viticulture.

CULTURA

• GASTRONOMIA… Tuna, Swordfish, Citrus, Salt, Olive
  
• FORMAGGIO… Caciocavallo, Calcagno(Sheep/ Aged 3-10 Weeks), Piacentinu(Sheep/ Raw), Provola, Ragusano(Cow(Modicana), Ricotta(Sheep), Maiochino
• ASSOCIATIONS– ~Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC. Sicilia~
  • Mission~ Organization That Focuses to Help Manage and Regulate the Italian Wine Industry.

“It Could Be Said For All Italy Regions But Differently In Sicilia, They’re Regionalists Before They’re Nationalists.”

**Refer to “ITALY/ Home” For Detailed Information On Italy as a Country.

**Sicily Wine Map Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase Maps at Delongwine.com

SICILIA DOC.     @Sicilia

• BIANCO= Ansonica, Carrecante, Catarratto, Damaschino, Fiano, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Moscato, Vermentino
  • –Internationale– Chardonnay, Muller-Thurgau, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Zibibbo AKA=Muscat Alexandria
• ROSSO= Alicante, FRappato, Nerello Cappucccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, Nocera, Perricone, Sangiovese
  • –Internationale– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mondeuse, Petit Verdot, Pinot Nero, Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(Greater/ Entire Island)
• VINICULTURA- Varietal Wine Must Be +85% to Be Labeled Sicilia DOC.
  • Estate/ Produttore- Giato(CentoPassi)
• CULTURA- 2011- DOC. Officially Upgraded From IGT.

NERO D’AVOLA DOC.    @Sicilia

• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(Greater/ Entire Island)
• VINICULTURA- General DOC. For Nero D’Avola Produced On Sicilia.
  • Estate/ Produttore- Colosi, Stemmari

GRILLO DOC.    @Sicilia

• BIANCO= Grillo
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(Greater/ Entire Island)
• VITICULTURA- General DOC. For Grillo Produced On Sicilia.
  • Estate/ Produttore– Canicatti, Feudo Montoni
• VINICULUTRA-
  • Wine Must Be 100% Grillo to Be Labeled Grillo DOC.

Western Sicilia

MARSALA DOC.      @Marsala

• WHITE= Catarratto, Damaschino, Grillo, Inzolia, Pignatello
  
• RED= Calabrese, Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Perricone
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North-West), PROVINCIA–Trapani
  • On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~, “Multi-Appellation”
  • Sub-Zones– Mozia Island- Off North Coast of Marsala Growning Grillo
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Flat/ Rolling”,  On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~
• VITICULTURA-  ? ha. Planted, VINE TRAINING/ Alberello/ Bush Vine
• VINICULTURA- Rubino,  Ambra,  Oro
  • Estate/ Produttore- Baglio Baiata Alagna, Marco de Bartoli, Caruso & Minini, Florio, Martinez, Pellegrino, Woodhouse
• STORIA- Marsala Was Founded as a Colony by the Carthagins Dating Back to 397 BC.
  • 1700’s @England– Bordeaux Has Heavy Claret Tax to English On all Imported Wines.
  • 1773  @Sicily– English Trader John Woodhouse Landed at the Port of Marsala.
• CULTURA-
  • PIONEERS~ ~John Woodhouse~  English Trader
    • “Found” Local Wine Produced In Sicily and Introduced Marsala to the English Market.
    • ~Vincenzo Floria~ Sicily Wine Producer Who Influenced Exportation of Marsala Wines Throughout World.
• MARSALA
  • Produced by One or Blend of Four White Grapes, Catarratto, Damaschino, Grillo, Inzolia.
  • Fortified After Fermentation With Acqua-Vite.
  • Some Fortified During Fermentation Version, Depending On Desired Sweetness Level.
  • Addition of a Grape Concentrate Used to Add Colour and/ or Sweetness,
    • Mosto Cotto(Cooked Must) or Sifone(a Mistelle Produced by Unfermented Must of Overripe Grapes)
  • Oxidized,  +AGED/ Marsala Aged In a Process Called In-Perpetuum(Similar to Solera System).
  • Until the 1700’s Marsala Was Referred to as Vino Perpetuo.
  • STYLES Of MARSALA-  Can Be Classified by…Color, Sweetness Level, Style.
    •  Color…
      • Rubino/ Ruby,   Ambra/ Amber,     Oro/ Golden
    • Sweetness Level,/ Residual Sugar...
      • Secco/ Dry Less  4% RS.
      • Semi-Secco/ Semi-Dry 4.1%-10% RS.
      • Dolce/ Sweet +10% RS.
    • Fine– +AGED/ +1yr., +Abv.-17.5
    • Superiore– +AGED/ +2yr., +Abv.+18%
      • Reserva– +AGED/ +4 yr.
    • Vergine– +AGED/ +5yr. +Abv. 18%, -4% RS.
      • Reserva– +AGED/ +10 yr.
    • Vergine Stravechhio– +AGED/ +10yr.
      • Secco–  -40 G./ L. of RS.
      • Semi-Secco–  41-100 G./ L. of RS.
      • Dolce– +100 G./ L of RS.
  • MARSALA EVALUATION
    • Sight: “Varies”
    • Aroma: Vanilla, Apricot, Tamerine
    • Palate: Raisins, Dates
    • Structure: Medi-Tannins, +Abv., Medi+Acid
    • FOOD PAIRING… Fruit Pastries
    • CHEESE PAIRING… Gorgonzola, Roquefort
    • SERVING… Once Opened Marsala Keeps For 1 Month.
    • COOKING…Chicken Marsala~
      • • Flour-Coated Chicken Braised In Marsala, Butter, Olive Oil, Mushrooms and Spiced.
      • Typical Marsala Sauce–
        • Reducing the Marsala Wine Almost to a Syrup With Onions and Shallots, Then Adding Mushrooms and Herbs.

AMBRA SECCO DOC.     @Marsala

• WHITE=    |   RED= **Refer to “DOC.” For Grape % Information.
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia
• VINICULTURA-
  • Estate/ Produttore-

ERICE PASSITO DOC.    @Erice

• BIANCO= Catarratto(+60%), Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia, Zibibo AKA=Moscato/ Muscat Alessandria
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay, Muller Thurgau, Sauvignon Blanc
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avalo(+60%), Frappato, Perricone
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North-West), PROVINCIA–Trapani
  • COMMUNES-Castellammare del Golfo, Custonaci, Trapani, Valderice
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Mt. Erice, On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~
• VITICULTURA- 43 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Anna Fendi, Fazio, Scarpantonio
• VINICULTURA- Passito(16% ABV.), Rosso,  Rosato,  Vendemmia Tardiva,  Spumante

DELIA NIVOLELLI DOC.     @Petrosino

• BIANCO= Inzolia, Damaschino
• ROSSO= ?
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Sauvignon
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA-Trapani
  • COMMUNES-Marsala, Mazara del Vallo, Petrosino, Salemi
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling”, On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~
• VITICULUTRA- ?  ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Caruso & Minini

SALAPARUTA DOC.     @Salaparuta

• BIANCO= Inzolia, Catarratto, Grillo, Trebbiano
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North-West Interior), PROVINCIA–Trapani
  • South-West of Palermo-City(50km.)
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Belice)”
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA-  ? ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Baglio Gibellina, Villa Scaminaci

ALCAMO DOC.     @Alcamo

• BIANCO= Catarratto, Damaschino, Grecanino
  
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avalo
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North),  PROVINCIA–Palermo
  • (DOC. Laps)Monreale DOC.(South-East)
  • COMMUNES-Balestrate, Calatafimi, Camporeale, Castellammare del Golfo, Gibellina, Monreale, Partinico, San Cipirello, San Giuseppe Jato
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling”, On~Coast/ Gulf~Castellammare/ Mediterranean~Sea~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA-  ?  ha. Planted
• VINICULTURA- Still,  Vendemmia Tardiva,  Spumante
  • Estate/ Produttore- Cusumano, Duca di Castelmonte, Firriato, Rallo, Rapitala, Paolini

MONREALE DOC.     @Monreale

• BIANCO= Catarratto, Fiano, Grecanico, Inzolia
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco,
    
• ROSSO= Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, Perricone, Sangiovese
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North-Interior), PROVINCIA–Palermo
  • West of Palermo-City(25km.), (Laps)Alcamo DOC.(North-West)
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- ?  ha. Planted
• VINICULTURA- Still,  Vendemmia Tardiva,  Spumante
  • Estate/ Produttore- Feotto Dello Jato, Feudo Disisa, Francesco Guccione, Simonetti

MENFI DOC.     @Menfi

• BIANCO= Catarratto, Fiano, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay, Viognier
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola, Sangiovese
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North-West), PROVINCIA–Agrigento
  • North of Sciacca-City(15km.), Sub-Zones– Bonera, Feudo dei Fiori
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling”
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 92 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Cantine Barbera, Settesoli
  • Vineyards– Dispenso, Gurra

SANTA MARGHERITA D’BELICE DOC.     @Santa Margherita

• BIANCO= Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia
  
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola, Sangiovese
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Sauvignon
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North-West), PROVINCIA–Agrigento
  • North of Sciacca-City(20km.)
  • BORDERS-Menfi DOC.(South-East), Contessa Entillina DOC.(East)
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley”, On~Belice~River~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA-  ? ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Planeta

CONTESSA ENTELLINA DOC.     @Contella Entellina

• BIANCO= Inzolia, Grecanico
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay, Sauvignon Bianco
    
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avalo(+50%)
  • –Internazionale– Merlot, Pinot Nero, Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North-West Interior), PROVINCIA–Agrigento
  • COMMUNES-Contessa Entellina, South of Palermo-City(50km.)
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 19 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Donnafugata, Planeta(Dispensa)(E./283 ha.), Planeta Ulmo

SAMBUCA Di SICILIA DOC.       @Sambuca

• BIANCO= Grecanico, Inzolia
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay, Sauvignan Blanc, Viognier
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(North-West Interior), PROVINCIA–Agrigento
  • COMMUNE-Sambuca,  BORDERS-Sciacca DOC.(South)
• TOPOGRFIA- “Rolling”, On~Lake~Arancio~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 128 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Planeta(Ulmo), Stemman
  • Vineyards– Maroccoli, Ulmo
• VINICULTURA- Bianco,  Rosso,  Rosato
  • SAMBUCA– Passito, Grape Distillate,
    • 38%- 44% ABV.,  Steeped With Star Anise(Essential Oils), Green Anise, Elderberry, Licorice
    • Sambuca Bianco- Colorless
    • Sambuca Nero- Flavors Dominated by Witch Elder Bush, Licorice, Darker In Color.

SCIACCA DOC.     @Sciacco

• BIANCO= Catarratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola, Sangiovese
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA–Agrigento
  • BORDERS-Sanbuca di Sicilia DOC.(North)
  • COMMUNES-Sciacca, Sub-Zone- Rayana
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling”, On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA-  9 ha. Planted
• VINICULTURA- Bianco,  Rosso,  Rosato
  • Estate/ Produttore-

CONTEA Di SCIAFANI DOC.     @Contea Sciafani

• BIANCO= Inzolia(+50%), Catarratto, Grecanico, Grillo
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avalo, Nerello, Perricone, Sangiovese
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(Interior), PROVINCIA-Palermo
• TOPOGRAFIA– “Rolling”, SLOPES/ Madonie Moutains(South)
• VITICULTURA- ? ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Tasca d’Almerita
• VINICULTURA- Wine Must Be +50% Inzolia to Be Labeled Contea di Sciafani DOC.

RIESI DOC.     @Riesi

• BIANCO= Inzolia
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay
• ROSSO= Calabrese
  • –Internazionale– Cabernet Sauvignon
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(West), PROVINCIA–Caltanissetta
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling”, On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA-  20 ha. Planted
• VINICULTURA- Rosato,  Vendemmia Tardiva,  Spumante
  • Estate/ Produttore-

CERASUOLO Di VITTORIA DOCG.     @Vittoria

• BIANCO= ?
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(South-West)
  • PROVINCIA-Ragusa, Caltanissetta, Catania, @Hw.# SP68
  • Sub-Zones– Oliena Jerzu Capo Ferrato
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling”, SLOPES/ Hyblaean/Nebrodi Mountains, +Alt. 90mt.- 300mt.
  • On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~
• TERRE- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Sand, Limestone, Red Earth
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 179 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Donnafugato, Don Vice, Feudi del Pisciotto, Gulfi, Judeka, Paolo Cali, Planeta(36ha.), Poggio di Borolone, Santa Tresa, Terre di Giurfo, Valle d’Acate
  • Vineyards- Dorilli, Mogli
• VINICULTURA- Rosso(ABV.+13%, +Aged/ 8mo.),  Rosato
  • Wine Must Be +50%-70% Nero d’Avola, 30%-50% Frappato to Be Labeled DOCG.
• CULTURA-
  • 1973- DOC. Officially Established, 2005- DOCG. Officially Established.
  • ~Etymology~ Cerasuolo Refers to the Cherry Color of the Wine Or “Cerasa” In Sicilian Dialect.
  • ~Etymology~ Names After Countess Vittoria Colonna Who Settled Area In 1607, and Was First to Farm Area.
  • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Consorzio di Tutela Cerrasuolo di Vittoria~
  • FORMAGGIO… Ragusano(Cow(Modicana)
• CERASUOLO Di VITTORIA CLASSICO DOC.     @Vittoria
  • BIANCO= ?
  • ROSSO= Frappato, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
  • GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(South-West), PROVINCIA– ?
    • “Classical Villages”, Triangle Formed by the Villages of Acate, Chiaramonte Fulfi and Vittoria,  But Also Including the Villages of Comiso, Santa Croce Caterina…and Portions of Niscemi, Gela, Caltagirone, Licodia Eubea
  • TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling”, On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~
  • VITICULTURA- ? ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Produttore- Azienda Agricola COS(*1980(Giambattista Cilia/ Giusto Occhipinti/ Cirino Strano), Bastonaca, Occhipinti, Planeta
  • VINICULTURA- +Aged/ 18mo.
    • BOTTLE SHAPES~ ~Squatty Bottles~ Fashioned After Historical Bottles of Past
  • CULTURE- ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Maestranza dei Vigneri~
    • Mission~ 1435 Winegrowers Guild/ Modern Reinvention.

Southern Sicilia

ELORO DOC.     @Pachina

• BIANCO= ?
• ROSSO= Frappato, Nero d’Avalo, Perricone, Pignatello
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(South), PROVINCIA–Syracuse,  @Hw.#E45
  • COMMUNES– Noto, Pachino, Portopalo di Capo Passero, Rosolini
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling”, On~Coast/ Malta~Channel~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 101 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Barone Sergio, Marabino Archimedi, Riofavar, Rudini
• VINICULTURA- Rosato,  Reserva
  • Wine Must Be +90 Nero d’Avola to Be Labeled DOCG.
• CULTURA- 1994 DOC. Officially Establihed

NOTO DOC.     @Nota

• BIANCO= Moscato
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola
  • –Internazionale– Merlot , Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(South), PROVINCIA–Syracuse, @Hw.#E45
  • East of Siracusa-City(25km.)
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. 40mt., On~Coast/ Malta~Channel~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA-  97 ha. Planted
• VINICULTURA- +AGED/18mo.
  • Estate/ Produttore- Feudoramaddini, Planeta(E./57ha.)
  • Vineyards- Bounavini

SIRACUSA DOC.    @Siracusa

• BIANCO= Moscato
• ROSSO= Nero d’Avola
  • –Internazionale– Syrah
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(South), PROVINCIA–Syracuse
  • East of Siracusa-City(2km.)
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 27 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore- Fausta Mansio, Pupillo

Eastern Sicilia

ETNA DOC.     @Catania

• BIANCO= Carricante, Catarratto, Inzolia, Minella Bianco, Trebbiano
  • –Internazionale– Chardonnay, Moscato Bianco, Risling
• ROSSO= Minella Nera, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio AKA=Nerello Mantellato
  • –Internazionale– Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha, Pinot Nero, Peitt Verdot
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(East), PROVINCIA–Catania, LATITUDE: 37.75° ‘N‘
  • North of Catania-City(25km.), @Hw.#SS120 & A18
  • COMMUNES-(20)-Aci South Antonio, Acireale, Belpasso, Biancavilla, Castiglione, Giarre, Linguaglossa, Nicolosi,  Milo, Paterno, Pedara, Piedimonte, Randazzo, South Alfio, South Maria di Licodia, South Venerina, Trecastagni, Viagrande, Zafferana
  • 133 Contrade/ Crus, Can Appear On Label of All the Grapes Were Sourced From Contrada.
  • Contrada Are Based On Different Lava Flow From Different Eras.  The Speed the lava Flowed and the Temperature it Was Cooled Leads to Different In Color and Mineral Content, Rich In Potassium.
    •  North Valley
• RANDAZZO
  • “Le Contrete”(25)–
  • “Other Contrada” Marchesa, Pietradolce, Rovitello, Zottorinoto
  • Estate/ Producers– Al-Cantara, Calabretta, Destro, Feudo Vagliasindi, Filippo Grasso, Terre Nere(Marc de Grazia), Terraze Dell’Etna
• CASTIGLIONE Di SICILIA/ PASSOPISCIARO
  • “Le Contrete”(41)– Barbabechi, Calderara, Chiappernacine, Chiusa Spagnola, Feudo, Guardiola, Monte Colla, Montelaguardia, Palmento Costanzo, Porcaria, Rampante, San Lorenzo, Sciaranuova, Sottana, Santo Spirito
  • Vineyards- Peitramarina, Torreguarino
  • Estate/ Producers– Antichi Vinai 1877, Calcagno, Cottanera, Frank Cornelissen(19ha.), Fessina, Firriato, Girolamo Russo, Graci, Patria*, Passopisciaro*(Andrea Franchetti), Peitradolce, Planeta*(26ha.), Tasca d’Almerita, Terre Nere
• SOLICCHIATA
  • “Le Contrete” Carranco, Marchesa
  • Estate/ Prodicers– Wiegner
• ROVITTELLO
  • “Le Contrete”  ?
  • Estate/ Producers– Fischetti
• LINGUAGLASSA
  • “Le Contrete”(10)–
  • Estate/ Producers– Don Saro Sri, Etna Vivera, Gambino, Salvo Foti, Scilio, Terre di Trente, Valle Falfina, Valle Galfina, Vivera
    • East Etna
• MILO
  • “Le Contrete”(8)–Ronzini(Chianta, Cistern Fuori), San Nicolo
  • Estate/ Producers- Benanti, Biondi, Custodi, Eudes, Fessina, Nicosia
    • South Etna
• VIAGRANDE
  • “Le Contrete”(6)–Bernanti, Blandano, Villagrande
  • Estate/ Producers– Barone di Villagrande, Murgo
• NICOLOSI
  • “Le Contrete” ?
  • Estate/ Producers–
• SANTA MARIA Di LICONDIA
  • “Le Contrete”(1)–
  • Estate/ Producers– Barone di Villagrande
    • Others
• RANDAZZO ZAFFERANA ETNEA
  • “Le Contrete”(2)–
• PIEDIMONTE ETNEO
  • “Le Contrete”(13)–
• TRECASTAGNI
  • “Le Contrete”(9)–
• BIANCAVILLA
  • “Le Contrete”(5)–
• SANTA VENERINA
  • “Le Contrete”(4)–
• ETNA PRODUCERS NOT LOCATED IN SPECIFIC SUB-ZONE
  • Estate/ Produttore- Aitho, Alto Mora, Calcagno, Crasa, Cusumano, Donna Fugata, Etnella, Federico Curtaz, Feudo Cavaliere, Franchetti, Nenti, Nicoscia, Patria, Pietradolce, Romeo del Castello, Salvo Foti(Nat.Pro.), Terre Nere, Tornatore(Co.-Op.), Torre Mora, Vagliasindi, Vino di Anna(Nat.Pro.), Valenti, Vini Franchetti
  • Vineyards- Arcuria(Nat.Pro.), Barbabecchi(Nat.Pro.)
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraced”
  • SLOPES/ Mt. Etna(Nebrodi Mountains)+Alt.350mt.-1,000mt.
  • Volcanic Mountains– Mt. Etna(Active/ Stratovolcano/ Peak-3,350mt.)
    • Last 2,700 Years Eruptive History Has Been Documented.
    • Half-Moon Shaped Growing Area Around the North, South and East of Etna Volcano.
    • Lower Slopes of Etna Which Vineyards Are Planted Are Made Up of Stratifications of the Numerous Lava Flows Over the Past 100,000 Years.
    • The Age of the Volcanic Lava Flow, the Depth of the Top-Soil and the Slope Are All Important to the Outcome of the Vine.
  • On~Coast/ Mare~Ionio~(Near/ 5km.)
  • Vineyards Are Planted On North, South, East Facing Slopes.
  • **Refer to “CLIMATE/ Altitudes” For Additional Information.
• TERRE- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Sand
  • Basalt, Lava Rocks, Ellittico(Old Lava Flow)
  • All Volcanic Soils Come Directly From Lava Flow. These Flows Harden With Ejected Pumice and Then Decompose In Various Forms Over Time.
  • Pumice(Ash Deposited by Mt. Etna Volcano)
  • Allophane(Volcanic Clay, Formed as a Result of Silica and Iron Breaking Down.)
  • **Refer to “VOLCANICS/ Eruptions/ Soils” For Additional Information.
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 3,181ha./ 656ha. Planted,   1968 DOC. Officially Established.
  • No/ Little Irrigation/ Prior to 1940’s All Wine Was Used For Bulk-Wine.
  • –Vine-Training– Albarelo AKA=Bush/ Head , Guyot, Spurred Cordon, Vertical Trellis
  • CHALLENGE– Fall Snow/ Frost
  • ADVANTAGE– Volcanic Soils Are Phylloxera Resistant.
  • HARVEST– Hard Harvest/ Starts at the End of September and Can Go Into Early November.
  • Old Vines- With the Volcanic Soils, Phylloxera Isn’t an Issue.
• VINICULTURA- Bianco(+60% Carricante/ -40% Cataratto), Bianco Superiore
  • Rosato/ Rosso(+80% Nerello Mascalese), Rosso Reserve, Spumante, Passito
• STORIA-
  • 1800’s @Mt. Etna– Majority of Wine Produced Was Exported Out of the Port of Riposto and Referred to as Riposto Across Europe.
• CULTURA- ASSOCIATIONS~  ~Consorzio Etna DOC.~
  • PIONEERS~ ~Frank Cornelissen~ Champion of Etna and Natural Wines.
  • GASTRAONOMIA…  ~Pisacio Capital of the World~ Brante
  • WINNER “Worlds Best”~ DtheV.com Awards, “Italy’s Best DOC.”  (5th. Place)
    • **Refer to “WINE CULTURE/ Derek’s Top 6 List” For Detailed Information.
• GOING THERE- Train to the Wines of Etna
  • Stade dell’Vino dell’Etna/ Road of the Wines of Etna(Bus That Takes You Strategically to the Wineries Around Etna.
    
• ETNA BIANCO DOC.
  • BIANCO= Carricante(+60%), Catarratto(-40%), Inzolia/ Minnella/ Trebbiano(-15%)
  • VINICULTURA– Generally a Blend of 2-4 Grapes But Sometimes Single Grape.
    • Superiore(Carricante(+80%), All Grapes Sourced From Milo Area.
    • Etna Bianco is Generally Un-Oaked, and Produced to Be Consumed Fresh Within 2 Years.
    • Estate/ Producers– **Refer to Etna DOC. For List of Producers.
• ETNA ROSSO DOC.
  • ROSSO= Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
  • VITICULTURA-
    • Estate/ Producers– **Refer to Etna DOC. For List of Producers.
  • VINICULTURA– +12.5% ABV., Reserve(+AGED/ 4 yr./ 1 yr. Wood, +13% ABV.)
    • Wine Must Be +80% Nerello Mascalese to Be Labeled Etna Rosso DOC.
• ETNA ROSATO DOC.
  • ROSSO= Nerello Mascalese(+80%), Nerello Cappuccio(-20%)
  • VINICULTURA–
    • Estate/ Producers-  **Refer to Etna DOC. For List of Producers.
• ETNA SPUMANTE DOC.
  • BIANCO= Chardonny, Inzolia, Viognier
  • ROSSO= Nerello Mascalese(+60%), Nerello Cappuccio
    
  • VINICULTURA– METHOD/ Traditionale, +AGED/ 10mo./ On Lees
    • +Abv. +11%, RS./ Brut or Extra Dry
    • Estate/ Producers- Murgo, Ter de Pri

MAMERTIMO Di MILAZZO DOC.     @

• BIANCO= Grillo, Inzolia
• ROSSO= ?
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(East), PROVINCIA–Messina,  @Hw.#A20
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Pelopitani Range, +Alt. ?
  • On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~/Messina~Strait~
• TERRE- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA-  38 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore-

FARO DOC.     @Messina

• BIANCO= ?
• ROSSO= Calabrese, Gaglioppo, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Nero d’Avola, Nocera, Sangiovese
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(East), PROVINCIA– Messina
  • BORDERS-Calabria“Region”(East)
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly”, +Alt.250 mt.- 300 mt., On~Coast/ Messina~Strait~
• TERRE- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Clay, Tuff Calcrete
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 15 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore– Bonavita, La Casematte, Cuppari, Enza La Fauci, Mimmo Paone, Palari, Rasocolmo, San Placido
• VINICULTURA- Rosso(+12% ABV.),  +AGED/ +1 yr.
• CULTURA- 1976- DOC. Officially Established.

Isole di Sicilia

PASSITO Di PANTELLERIA DOC.    @Pantelleria

• BIANCO= Zibibbo AKA=Muscat of Alexandria
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(East), On~Pantelleria~Island~
  • South of Italy(85km.), North of Tunsia(70km.)
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, +Alt. 400mt., On~Coast/ Stretto Sicilia~
  • VOLCANISM~ ~Pantelleria Volcano~, +Alt. Peak, 1,300mt.
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 450 ha. Planted,  Vine Training– Alberello/ Head Trained Bush-Vine
  • Jardinu– Small Pit Dug Into Ground to Protect From Strong Winds.
• VINICULTURA- Passito/ 3-4 Weeks, 10 Pounds of Fresh Grapes Yields 2.5 Pounds of Dried Grapes.
  • Passolata– Intermediate Stage of Dried Grapes. (10- 15 Days)  These Passolata Grape Maintain Freshness In the Finished Wine.
  • For Every 100 Liters of Fresh Zibibbo Must,? of Dried Grapes Are Adding In 3 Stages as it is Fermenting.
  • STYLES– The Zibibbo Grape is Used to Make Still, Passito and Liquoroso Wines On Island.
  • Estate/ Produttore- Abraxas, De Bartoli, Basile Shamira, Coste Ghirlanda, Dietro l’Isola, Donnafugata(68ha.), Murana(15ha,), Pellegrino, Serragghia(Nat.Pro.)
• STORIA- 2,500 Year Wine History
  • UNESCO. WORLD HERITAGE SIGHT~ ~Traditional Head Trained Vines of Zibibbo~

Aeolian Islands AKA=Eolie Islands

• ISLANDS- Alcudi, Basiluzzo, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano
• FESTIVALS~ ~Malvasia Day Festival~ (June/ Salina, Aeolian Islands, Sicily)

MALVASIA Delle LIPARI LIQUOROSO DOC.     @Lipari

• BIANCO= Malvasia   |   ROSSO= Corinto Nero
• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(East), North of Sicilia/ Messina(60km.)
  • Island of Lipari/ Aeolian Islands….Alicudi, Basiluzzo, Filicudi, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano
• TOPOGRAFIA- “Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Tyrrhenian~Sea~
• CLIMA- “Mediterranean”
• VITICULTURA- 25 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Produttore– Barone di Villagrande, Cantine Colosi, Caravaglio, Castellaro, Colosi, Fenech, Florio, Gaetano Marchetta, Hauner, Lantieri, Salvatore d’Amico, Virgona
• VINICULTURA- Still,  Passito
  • Liquoroso- Dried Grape, (Fortified During Fermentation With ?), +AGED/ 6 mo. Barrel, +ABV. 18% – 20%, 6% RS.
• STORIA-
  • 100 BC. @Sicily– Liquoroso Production of Wine Began With the Influence of Greeks.

Aegadian Islands AKA=Egadi Islands

• ISLANDS- Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo

Indicazione Geografica Protetta of Sicilia

• BIANCO= Any White Grapes Varieties Approved For Production In Sicilia.
• ROSSO= Any Red Grapes Varieties Approved For Production In Sicilia.
• VITICULTURA– Wine Produced In “SICILIA” Non-Conforming to DOC. or DOCG.
  

  ---

SICILIA IGP.    @Entire Island

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(Greater)

AVOLA IGP.

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA– ?

CAMARRO IGP.

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA– ?

ERICINI IGP.

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA– ?

FONTANAROSSA Di CERDO IGP.

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA– ?

SALEMI IGP.

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA– ?

SALINA IGP.

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA– ?

TERRE SICILANE IGP.

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia(Greater)
  • Estate/ Produttore- Aldo Viola, Curatolo Arini, Gulfi Rosso, Modus Bibendi, Nerocapitano, Occhipinti(Nat.Pro.)

VALLE BELICE IGP.

• GEOGRAFIA- Italia, REGION-Sicilia, PROVINCIA– ?

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ Sources” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced.