|
|
The Sicilian Etna DOC appellation was previously divided into 133 recognised sites, the so-called contrade. Now, the consortium for the protection of Etna wines has published a new updated map of the wine-growing area. The number of official contrade has increased by nine individual vineyards to 142. They are spread over eleven municipalities: 41 in Castiglione di Sicilia, 25 in Randazzo, 20 in Zafferana Etnea, 13 in Piedimonte Etneo, 10 in Linguaglossa, 9 in Trecastagni, 8 in Milo, 6 in Viagrande, 5 in Biancavilla, 4 in Santa Venerina and 1 in Santa Maria di Licodia. The next update of the production rules will include the new areas in the statutes. With the new precise map, which the consortium has drawn up in cooperation with the Sicilian Ministry of Agriculture, the production area in the future should be clearer. Previously, the contrade were identified using interpretations of old cadastral maps, which show outdated terrain and territorial boundaries that no longer exist due to the eruptions of Mount Etna.
Francesco Cambria, president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC, explained that the cartographic project was only the first step in an even more comprehensive study project of the area. "We would like to bring out the differences of the individual vineyards much more. The wineries have already been allowed to write the vineyard name on the label since 2011. But so far, there is a lack of scientific analyses that describe the soil, microclimate and other special features of a particular Contrada."
The consortium is currently working on this together with the universities of Catania and Milan-Bicocca.
(ru / Source: Winenews; Photo: Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC)
More on the topic: