2' min read
2' min read
A stronger bond with the territory thanks to the enhancement of traditional grape varieties such as Perricone, Catarratto and Syrah. This is the heart of what we can define as a turning point for the Monreale DOC, which includes wineries that have already made Sicilian wine history (Alessandro di Camporeale, Feudo Disisa , Principe di Corleone, Case Alte, Porta del Vento, Sallier de la Tour (Tasca), Terre di Gratia, Marchesi De Gregorio to name but the oldest), a vast territory that extends from the gates of Palermo to the border with the province of Trapani and includes, just to give an idea of its importance, the territory of the municipality of Monreale but also those of Piana degli Albanesi, Camporeale, San Giuseppe Jato, San Cipirello, Santa Cristina Gela, Corleone and Roccamena.The Consortium of the Monreale DOC, chaired by Mario di Lorenzo, director of the Feudo Disisa winery, resolved to change the regulations so that from the 15 varieties allowed in the previous regulations, the three main vines are now Catarratto, Perricone and Syrah and two secondary ones for blends allowed up to 40% for Nero d'Avola and Insolia for Catarratto, again up to a maximum of 40%.
The amendment to the specification stipulates that Syrah Doc Monreale may not be blended but only as a single variety. As is evident, Nero d'Avola leaves the specifications (remaining only for blends) and Grillo (for whites) is not included. 'In 2000 when the specifications were made,' Di Lorenzo explains, 'several varieties were included: from Grillo to Pinot Bianco and Sangiovese. Basically, varieties that did not have a direct link with our territory and identity. With this choice, the Consortium wanted to enhance the traditional grape varieties to which Syrah was added, which over the years has shown a certain affinity with this territory. Grillo and Nero d'Avola are part of the specifications of the Doc Sicilia Consortium, which is already doing an excellent job'.
Today, the hectares claimed for the Monreale DOC are just over 60, but for the 2024 harvest they will already rise to 100 hectares and have these characteristics: medium-high hills, vineyards on high ground and on different exposures, calcareous clay soils, ventilation and preponderance of aridoculture with relief irrigation. The Consortium's choice, which focuses on the identity of the area, also meets the need to push along the road of wine tourism. A project that the Consortium is working on in order to seize the opportunities coming from the increase that is affecting the Palermo area and Sicily in general: a key role is played by the Arab-Norman itinerary recognised by Unesco between Monreale, Palermo and Cefalù.
In the meantime, on 18 June, representatives of the Monreale DOC Consortium met with several local companies that are no longer part of the DOC: to them, the president and councillors presented the Development Plan for 2024/2025 with several new features and the decision to set up for the first time the Monreale DOC Wine List - 18 wines in all - that will be promoted and marketed exclusively by strategic partners that will be presented to the press and the production fabric on 1 October.
