WINE NEWS /
Sicilia's first DOCG
Sicila is expected to produce its first DOCG wine
by the summer of 2006: Cerasuolo di Vittoria and Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Classico (DOCG or Denominazione d'origine controllata e garantita
is the Italian appellation system's highest ranking, Appellation of
Controlled and Guaranteed Origin). Named after the township where
it is produced (Vittoria), Cerasuolo di Vittoria is made from Nero
d'Avola (50-70%) and Frappato (30-50%) grown exclusively in the township
(cerasuolo, meaning "cherry" in ancient Italian,
is used traditionally to denote wines from Southern Italy and the
Adriatic coast that are light in color). For the DOCG, Cerasuolo di
Vittoria can be released only after three months of bottle aging and
no earlier than June 1; Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico must be aged
for a minimum of eight months in bottle and cannot be released until
March 31 of the year following vinification.
Sicilia produces more wine than any other region
in Italy but had yet to obtain a DOCG (and has a disproportionately
low number of DOCs). Barring any unforeseen bureaucratic barriers,
Vittoria will also launch five new DOCs in 2006: Rosso di Vittoria,
Inzolia, Frappato, Nero d'Avola, and Novello.
Related wines and links: Sicilia,
Ceuso,
Murgo, Palari,
Planeta,
Santa Anastasia,
Spadafora,
Tenuta Rapitalà
<< e-mail
this page to a friend!
<< return
to I-News
