Cerasuolo di Vittoria

History, Tradition and Territory

Cerasuolo di Vittoria is one of the most sought-after wines in Sicily, an area that has experienced a succession of different rulers over the years, each with their own customs and traditions. Viticulture was introduced to southern and eastern Sicily by the ancient Greeks as early as the 7th century, when they founded several colonies, including the city of Syracuse. One of the earliest testimonies is provided by the Plaga Mesopotamium, a sheet of lead on which the notarised text of the sale of a vineyard located near Kamarina, an ancient Doric settlement in the Ragusa area, was written. It is an archaeological artefact dating back to the 3rd century B.C. that provides strong evidence of the importance of wine production in the area. The discovery of ancient wine amphorae on the bottom of the sea has also demonstrated the significance of viticulture in the region since ancient times.

In addition, there is evidence that as early as the 16th century, the ancient trading port of Scoglitti had become an important commercial centre for the export of red wines, appreciated for their preservation properties during transport. When the town was formed in 1607, its Spanish founder Vittoria Colonna Henriquez encouraged viticulture and wine production, granting vineyards to 75 settlers on condition that they planted vines. At that time, the red wines of the area were known either by the name of the town, by that of Scoglitti or by that of Mesopotamium.

During the 19th century, a number of scholars and intellectuals praised the area's wine-growing potential and its products. The abbot Paolo Balsamo described the typical red wine as 'the best of the island's table wines', while the Florentine Domenico Sestini described it as 'excellent, generous and pleasing to the palate'. From the early years of the 20th century, a more modern style of production emerged and producers chose to create less intense and colourful expressions, with a moderate alcohol content, which were fresh, fragrant and aromatic. This style still characterises most of the territory's production, including famous versions such as the nationally renowned Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria and the wines of Planeta and Donnafugata.

The Production Regulations for Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG

This type of wine has been recognised as a DOCG by a ministerial decree since September 2005. The disciplinary provides precise rules of production and establishes the territorial boundaries. The area includes several municipalities in the province of Ragusa (Vittoria, Comiso, Acate, Chiaramonte Gulfi and Santa Croce Camerina) and part of the territory of the provinces of Caltanissetta and Catania. The mention ‘Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico’ covers the above-mentioned municipalities in the province of Ragusa but also part of the municipalities of Niscemi, Gela, Caltagirone and Licodia Eubea. However, the wine must be aged at least until the 31st March of the second year after the harvest.

The ampelographic base of the production is composed of Nero d'Avola for 50-70% and Frappato for 30-50%. The vines must be cultivated using the alberello or simple espalier system, with plantings of at least 4,000 vines per hectare, and the grapes must guarantee an alcoholic strength of at least 12.5% by volume. Vinification and ageing practices must take place within the circumscribed territory, but full freedom is left regarding the type of containers used for ageing. It is important that the wine is not released on the market before June of the year following the harvest.

Characteristics, Profile and Pairings

Cerasuolo di Vittoria wine is a perfect reflection of the territory from which it originates: an area of more than 124,000 hectares that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is affected by warm breezes coming from Africa. The climate is hot, marked by dryness and low rainfall, with significant temperature variations in the summer months, while the soil is predominantly calcareous, with an important presence of sand and red soil. The entire production area can be subdivided into a coastal zone, a medium hill zone, up to 350 metres above sea level, and a high hill zone, which is located on the slopes of the Iblei mountains. The conformation and characteristics of the land give the Nero d'Avola and Frappato grapes produced here a unique, highly Mediterranean profile and a generous, richly fruited personality. The warmth of the sun that illuminates the land contributes to the smoothness of this wine variety. A production style that is shared by many producers, focused on elegance and pleasantness, helps to safeguard the freshness and instant fragrance typical of the Frappato grape.

These characteristics give this wine an excellent gastronomic versatility and the best pairings are with light Mediterranean cuisine. First courses with spicy and tasty sauces based on meat or vegetables, but also stuffed and grilled pastas with delicate red or white meats are recommended. Cereal soups, tasty risottos, stewed rabbit and chicken alla cacciatore are some of the best combinations. The fresher, lighter expressions also go well with savoury seafood dishes such as brodetti with tomato sauce, cuttlefish with peas, mussels with spicy tomato sauce and stuffed squid. Some producers recommend pairing it with marinara pizza, for a simple and enjoyable experience.

On our online wine shop you can find a wide selection of wines of this popular variety, which is the only DOCG in Sicily. Buy Cerasuolo di Vittoria wine online on Callmewine at an unbeatable price thanks to our many offers, and discover its unique characteristics that can be enjoyed with family and friends.