CONSORTIUM FOR THE PROTECTION OF SICILY DOC WINES TREND OF THE 2023 HARVEST: DESPITE THE QUANTITATIVE DROP, THE QUALITY CONFIRMS EXCELLENT

After an agricultural year characterized by unpredictable climatic phenomena, the producers of the DOC Sicilia have cautious optimism. Thanks to their thousand-year experience and masterful work in the field, they have so far managed to bring excellent quality grapes to the cellar, both from organically grown vineyards and from those managed with the integrated pest control method. “ The climatic excesses of late spring and early summer certainly represented a challenge for our winemakers – declares Antonio Rallo , president of the Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia -, but the harvest is proving to be excellent, with bunches that are healthy and of very high quality. quality, thanks also to the water reserves accumulated during spring rainfall. Downy mildew reduced the quantity of grapes and not their quality. The temperatures above the average in July limited the growth of the grapes but with consequent greater intensity and aromatic concentration and with an ideal phenolic ripening of the red grapes .” This is the balance sheet approximately 6 weeks after the start of the harvest and in view of the conclusion of the harvest in the hilly and mountainous areas. However, expectations for a high-quality 2023 vintage remain positive.

CONSORTIUM FOR THE PROTECTION OF SICILY DOC WINES

The Consortium for the Protection of DOC Sicilia Wines (siciliadoc.wine) came to life in 2012, with the aim of promoting DOC Sicilia wines, with actions aimed at increasing the visibility of a brand symbol of Made in Italy, as well as protecting the product with supervisory actions to protect consumers and producers.

Almost 8,000 winemakers and around 500 bottlers are promoters of the Controlled Designation of Origin, a useful recognition to represent them but also to enhance and safeguard the island's wine production. Sicily is the largest organic wine area in Italy: it represents 30% of the national surface area and with its over 42 thousand hectares it also holds the record among the regions that practice sustainable viticulture, subject to organic or integrated production regulations.