Region: Sicilia
History: Established as a DOC in 1998
Principal White Grape Varieties: Ansonica, Catarratto, Chardonnay, Grecanico Dorato
Principal Red Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nero d’Avola (Calabrese), Sangiovese
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco (Wh): Minimum 70% Ansonica (locally Inzolia), Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Chardonnay, and/or Grecanico Dorato + OANWG
- Chardonnay (Wh): Minimum 85% Chardonnay + OANWG
- Grecanico (Wh): Minimum 85% Grecanico Dorato + OANWG
- Inzolia (Wh): Minimum 85% Ansonica + OANWG
- Riserva from subzone Rayana only (Wh): Minimum 80% Ansonica and/or Catarratto + OANWG
ROSATO WINES
- Rosato (Ro): Minimum 70% Ansonica, Cabernet Sauvignon, Catarratto, Chardonnay, Grecanico Dorato, Merlot, Nero d’Avola (aka Calabrese), and/or Sangiovese + OANG
RED WINES
- Rosso (Rd): Minimum 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nero d’Avola, and/or Sangiovese + OANRG
- 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
- Riserva (Rosso)
Subzone:
- Rayana (Bianco Riserva only)
Significant Production Rules:
- Rosato can be made either by vinifying red grapes as a white wine or by vinifying red and white grapes together
- Minimum alcohol level: 10.0% for Grecanico; 10.5% for Bianco, Inzolia, and Rosato; 11.5% for Chardonnay, Rosso, Nero d’Avola, and Sangiovese; 12.0% for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; 12.5% for Rosso Riserva; 13.5% for Rayana Riserva
- Aging: For Riserva, minimum 2 years, including 1 year in barrel (ERD approx. November 1, V+2)
