Sicily

DOCG for dry red wine in the south of the island of Sicily, off the coast of Italy. This was previously a DOC, it has been classified as the first DOCG in Sicily has been effective since 2005. The zone has a total vineyard area of around 200 hectares located in the five communes of Acate, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Comiso, Santa Croce Camerina and Vittoria in the province of Ragusa, two communes in the province of Caltanissetta, as well as two communes in the province of Catania. The colour of the wine is a light, rather pinkish cherry colour (cerasuolo = cherry red), it must be blended from Nero d´Avola (minimum of 50 to 70%) and Frappato (minimum of 30 to 50%). It must have a minimum alcohol content of 13% vol, must mature for at least three months in bottle, and may only be sold from the 1st of April of the year following the vintage. The DOC regulations provided for a totally different mix of grape varieties: Frappato (40-100%), Calabrese (up to 60%), as well as optionally Grosso Nero and/or Nerello Mascalese (up to 10%). Well-known producers include Planeta, Valle dell´Acate and Azienda Agricola COS.