Region: Sicilia
History: Established as a DOC in 1995
Principal White Grape Varieties: Ansonica, Chardonnay, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Sauvignon Blanc
Principal Red Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nero d’Avola (Calabrese), Sangiovese, Syrah
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco (Wh): Minimum 50% Ansonica (locally Insolia or Inzolia) + OANWG
- Ansonica or Insolia or Inzolia (Wh): Minimum 85% Ansonica + OANWG
- Chardonnay (Wh): Minimum 85% Chardonnay + OANWG
- Grecanico (Wh): Minimum 85% Grecanico Dorato + OANWG
ROSATO WINES
- Rosato (Ro): Minimum 50% Nero d’Avola (aka Calabrese) + OARG
RED WINES
- Rosso (Rd): Minimum 50% Nero d’Avola + OARG
- Cabernet Sauvignon (Rd): Minimum 85% Cabernet Sauvignon + OANRG
- Merlot (Rd): Minimum 85% Merlot + OANRG
- Nero d’Avola (Rd): Minimum 85% Nero d’Avola + OANRG
- Sangiovese (Rd): Minimum 85% Sangiovese + OANRG
- Sirah (Rd): Minimum 85% Syrah + OANRG
- Riserva (Rosso, red varietals)
DESSERT AND SPECIALTY WINES
- Passito (Wh, WhSw): Minimum 50% Ansonica; maximum 50% Grillo and/or Sauvignon Blanc
Significant Production Rules:
- Minimum alcohol level: 11.0% for Bianco and white varietals; 11.5% for Rosato; 12.0% for Rosso and red varietals; 12.5% for Riserva; 16.0% (potential) for Passito
- Aging: For Riserva, minimum 24 months, including 6 months in barrel (ERD = November 1, V+2)
