Region: Sicilia
History: Established as a DOC in 1998
Principal White Grape Varieties: Ansonica, Chardonnay, Damaschino, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Müller-Thurgau, Sauvignon Blanc
Principal Red Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nero d’Avola (Calabrese), Perricone, Sangiovese, Syrah
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco (Wh, WhFr): Minimum 65% Ansonica (locally Inzolia), Grecanico, and/or Grillo + OAWG
- Chardonnay (Wh): Minimum 85% Chardonnay + OAWG
- Damaschino (Wh): Minimum 85% Damaschino + OAWG
- Grecanico (Wh): Minimum 85% Grecanico Dorato + OAWG
- Grillo (Wh): Minimum 85% Grillo + OAWG
- Inzolia (Wh): Minimum 85% Ansonica + OAWG
- Müller-Thurgau (Wh): Minimum 85% Müller-Thurgau + OAWG
- Sauvignon (Wh): Minimum 85% Sauvignon Blanc + OAWG
RED WINES
- Rosso (Rd): Minimum 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nero d’Avola (aka Calabrese), Perricone (locally Pignatello), Sangiovese, and/or Syrah + OARG
- Cabernet Sauvignon (Rd): Minimum 85% Cabernet Sauvignon + OARG
- Merlot (Rd): Minimum 85% Merlot + OARG
- Nero d’Avola (Rd): Minimum 85% Nero d’Avola + OARG
- Perricone or Pignatello (Rd): Minimum 85% Perricone + OARG
- Sangiovese (Rd): Minimum 85% Sangiovese + OARG
- Syrah (Rd): Minimum 85% Syrah + OARG
- Novello (Rosso, red varietals)
- Riserva (Rosso, red varietals)
SPARKLING WINES
- Spumante (WhSp): Any proportions of Ansonica, Chardonnay, Damaschino, Grecanico, and/or Grillo
Significant Production Rules:
- Minimum alcohol level: 10.5% for Damaschino; 11.0% for Bianco and white varietals except Damaschino; 11.5% for Rosso, red varietals, Spumante, and Novello
- Aging: For Riserva, minimum 2 years (ERD = January 1, V+3)
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