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The Sicilian appellation Etna DOC has officially applied for the status of the highest quality level DOCG. This was announced by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC. New production rules are also planned. For example, the white Carricante variety is to be added to the Nerello Mascalese variety already included in the specifications. Producers will also have the option of producing a Pas Dosé with designation of origin.
Other planned changes include lower yields per hectare for the production of Etna Rosso single-vineyard wines from one of the 133 contrade (geographical units). In addition, winegrowers will be allowed to indicate the name of one of 20 municipalities on the label if the grapes come exclusively from this area.
"This is a historic decision for the entire Etna region," said Francesco Cambria, president of the consortium. "We are a thriving appellation that is very keen to defend the specificity of our viticulture: Our heritage of autochthonous grape varieties grown on the highest active volcano in Europe."
Founded in 1968, the DOC Etna is the oldest DOC in Sicily and also one of the oldest DOCs in Italy. The appellation is known for its unique ecosystem and for its terroir-influenced wines made from the indigenous grape varieties Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante. Over the past 20 years, the area under vines and the number of producers on the volcano have steadily increased. According to the consortium, around 1,291 hectares were planted with vines in 2022. 442 wineries fill around 5.8 million bottles.
The process of DOCG recognition involves several stages of applications and reviews, which are expected to take around two years. Etna would be the second DOCG in Sicily after Cerasuaolo di Vittoria.
(ru / Decanter)