It is produced in places where vines have been cultivated since the time of Greek colonization
There is only one Sicilian wine that can boast the DOCG title (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita): Cerasuolo di Vittoria.
It is a blend of typically native vines of south-eastern Sicily, both black grapes: Nero d’Avola (present in percentages between 50% and 70%) and Frappato (between 30% and 50%). There are two varieties: Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG and Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG Classico. The difference between the two is mainly the time it rests in the bottle. While Cerasuolo di Vittoria is aged in the bottle between 3 and 12 months, the classic variety rests between 18 and 24 months. From an organoleptic point of view, both varieties have a dry, full, soft and harmonious flavor. The typical color ranges from cherry red to purplish red, although the classic, with aging, can also tend to garnet. Between the two varieties there is a difference in the sense of smell that goes from floral to fruity for Cerasuolo di Vittoria, while it tends decisively towards cherry in the classic.
The production area includes territories that fall within three Sicilian provinces, all in the south-eastern area of the island: Ragusa (Vittoria, Comiso, Acate, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Santa Croce Camerina and Ragusa itself), Caltanissetta (Niscemi, Gela, Riesi, Butera and Mazzarino) and Catania (Caltagirone, Licodia Eubea and Mazzarrone). The classic variety has a smaller production area that includes Vittoria, Acate, Gela, Niscemi and Caltagirone.
The history of Cerasuolo di Vittoria starts from a distant time: the provinces of Ragusa, Caltanissetta and Catania have always had a vocation for the cultivation of vines that dates back to the times of Greek colonization, in the third century BC, with a tradition that has never been interrupted. This is also thanks to the characteristics of the territories, with the warm climate that is mitigated by the sea breeze and with the soils rich in sand and limestone components. The vineyards are thus located in an incredible landscape, between the mountains and the sea, surrounded by olive and carob trees.
A story that has continued to the present day and, precisely on September 13, 2005, the day on which the transition from DOC wines to DOCG wines was achieved. A difficult step: the DOCG title is assigned to guarantee the consumer the quality and provenance of the wines, with particular attention to those of greater value and coming from very specific territories. Winemakers must comply with a precise specification in order to obtain the DOCG mark. DOCG wines must have obtained the DOC mark for at least 10 years and be considered of particular value. Finally, they must have demonstrated over the last two years that they are relevant in the economic sustainability of the protected territory.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria is one of the most appreciated Sicilian wines in the world. It can be paired with stuffed pasta, red meats, game and typical Sicilian dishes. It will win you over at the first sip. If you find yourself in the south-eastern area of Sicily, we recommend that you go and visit the wineries that produce these wines, perhaps those that organize a visit to the vineyards, to immerse yourself in the colors, scents and flavors of the island.
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