VIA Verona 2025 Supporter Masterclass: Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia
The lasting tasting of Day 3 was sponsored by Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia, with Board member Giuseppe Figlioli presenting "One Island, One World: Sicilia DOC Wines". He briefly explained this is the only DOC that covers the entire territory of Sicily. The DOC has over 100 days of harvest, which demonstrates the huge number of grapes and locations, microclimates and terroirs are included in the DOC. They cover 70 native grapes over 46,000 hectares of sustainable vineyards, with good biodiversity. The territory is 60% hills, 25% mountains and 15% plains, with 31,000 het certified organic vineyards.
The Consorzio began in 2011 with the goal of protecting, supervising, promoting and research. They have over 7000 growers, creating a mosaic that is reflected in the brand label logo. Several projects are underway, including BiViSi for biodiversity, viticulture and Sicily, establishing Lucido and other varieties. A Germplasm project is separating mother plants with no viruses to keep the genetic material in a secure greenhouse for the future. VISTA is also looking at Lucio innovation and sustainability, moving to the production of fine wine and sparkling wine.
Essentially, the Consorzio is trying to rebrand Catarratto, using its synonymous name Lucido. It is the most cultivated grape in Sicily and grows all over the island. The Consorzio believes the use of the name Lucido will make it easier for consumers to say and spell, as well as help to move away from what has been a less than favorable quality reputation in the past. FOr now, producers choose which name to use on their labels.
Grillo is another important white grape in Sicily, with 50,000 ht planted, mainly in the provinces of Trapani, Palermo and Agrigento. Sarah asked about the identity of Grillo now. Giuseppe explained that Grillo is grown on the coastal plains at Marsala, in the mountains of Palermo and the hills of Agrigento. The wines produced vary in quality, primarily due to altitude, with more elegant and mineral wines coming from higher site locations. Grillo can be produced sparkling and still. Sarah pointed out that the grape has lower acidity, it is softer, and needs the typical bitter citrus notes to lift it. The ambitious white wines in the DOC are Grillo, Inzolia and Lucido.
The three reds introduced some unfamiliar grapes, including Perricone, which is grown only in the west, despite its genetic ties to eastern Carricante and Nerello Mascalese. Nero d'Avola was presented, with over 50,000 ht grown, and Giuseppe said it has historically been "the king of reds" in Sicily, grown in Syracusa, Trapani, Palermo, and Agrigento.
Wines tasted:
Alessandro di Camporeale: Sicilia DOC Catarratto Spumante Extra Brut Metodo Classico 2020 was grown at 600m above sea level, fresh acidity, kerosene notes, slightly vegetal, a little tannic.
Martinico e Figli: Sicilia DOC Catarratto "Viali di Altarello" 2023 was grown at 250m asl and began silky ans slippery on the palate then became tannic with sage notes.
Giasira: Sicilia DOC Grillo 2022 from Trapani region, was soft, less acidity, quinine notes, bitter citrus, not tannic, riper citrus character.
Valle dell'Acate: Vittoria DOC Frappato "Vigna Biddine Sottana - Vino di Contrada" 2023 was fresh fruit, ripe red cherries and sweet strawberry jam. Low, soft, woolly tannins, low acidity, semi-aromatic in character.
Tenuta Regaleali – Tasca d'Almerita: Sicilia DOC Perricone "Guarnaccio" 2022 was deeply colored with a spicy note, more intense fruit, jammy, with tannins that are more elastic.
Baglio Diar: Sicilia DOC Nero d'Avola "Nedda" 2022 gave us a combination of black and red fruits, sweet fruits, high acidity and not too much alcohol, with leathery flexible tannins that stay supple.