Etna DOC
Etna is a DOC wine region at the foot of Mount Etna, Sicily. This highest mountain on the Mediterranean island is also the most active volcano in Europe. The growing area extends in a belt between 450 m and 1100 m height Randazzo in the north to Milo in the east to the southern slopes of Mount Etna. The soil is volcanic and very rich in minerals and consists mostly of lava, ash and sand. This so-called decay soil consists of different old eruptive materials. The high nutrient content of iron, copper, phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals guarantees a good harvest.
History
It is believed that since 20,000 years at the Etna wine growing. Even before the conquest of the island by the Greeks vines had been cultivated. The Greeks improved viticulture and imported new varieties such as the Carricante, which has now become the name Grecanico the most important white wine grape of the region. Even in ancient times, the wines of Etna to be particularly suitable for the alleviation of disease, prevention, and described as savory.
The DOC was set by presidential decree on 11 August 1968 in force. P.2
Product Specifications
The specifications of the crops cultivated in the DOC zone Etna wines were in the Ministerial Decree of 27 September 2011 and shall be published on the amendment to the specification for the production of wines with a protected designation of origin "Etna ". Pp. 4-8 quality designations are Afterwards blanco, blanco superior, rosso, rosso reserva, rosé and spumante allowed. Each of these qualities is precisely specified in the decree. A 14- digit product code is on the bottle contents information. P. 15 While the Rebanteile be determined in Article 1, Article 2 of which goes to the ampelographic features. Article 3 defines the geographical delimitation based on the determination of the communities that make up the size of the DOC area.
The Article 4 includes all of the provisions governing the planting, the type of cultivation and pruning, as well as working conditions. The yield per hectare must not exceed for all wines except the Reserva 9 t / ha, Etna red reserve only 8 t / ha also in profitable years, this limit may not be exceeded by more than 20%. The natural alcohol content is like the Etna Bianco to 11 percent by volume, the Etna Bianco Superiore to 11.5 vol. %, The Etna Rosso and Rosato Etna on 12 vol. %, The Etna Rosso Riserva 12.5 vol. % And the Etna spumante to 10 vol. % Fixed.
Article 5 covers the standards for winemaking. After vinification, fermentation, aging, bottling and aging in the bottle in the area of the cultivated area must be made. Reserva least four years are supported, including at least one year in wooden cask. Sparkling wine may only be produced by natural fermentation in the bottle on its lees for at least 18 months.
In Article 6 flavor characteristics are stated in Articles 7 and 8 regulate the labeling and packaging. Then must the wines with the year of production and can be provided with a brand name and the manufacturer's name, provided this does not lead to confusion. Other attributes for wine labeling are not allowed. Sales sizes from 0.187 to 5 liters are allowed.
White wines
In white wine ( blanco ) must be at least 60 percent Carricante share be present, so as Cuvée share more than 40% Catarratto Bianco comune. In addition, up to 15% of the total volume are also possible as Trebbiano grapes or as autochthonous Minella bianca. Blanco superior contains at least 80 % Carricante, the remaining portion must from Trebbiano, be Minella and other non - aromatic white grape varieties that are permitted in the Sicily region for the cultivation used.
Red and rosé wines
The most important red grape variety here is Nerello Mascalese and must be contained to 80% in the wine, and also up to 20% Nerello Cappuccio and up to 10 % of others, even white varieties are permitted, which may be used for cultivation in the region of Sicily.
Champagne
The proportion of Nerello Mascalese must be at least 60 % and up to 40 % other in the Sicily region of approved grape varieties.