Description
The Sambuca di Sicilia PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: White, Red, Rosé and Passito. The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Sambuca di Sicilia PDO is within the territory of the municipality of Sambuca di Sicilia in the Province of Agrigento, in the Sicily region.
Description of product typologies
Sambuca di Sicilia PDO Bianco is straw-yellow, varying in intensity and at times with greenish reflections; the nose reveals fragrances of peach and wild daisies, with grassy and balsamic undertones; the palate displays floral notes that are supported by a sapid-tart backbone. Sambuca di Sicilia PDO Rosso is intense ruby red, at times with garnet red reflections; the nose offers intense aromas of marasca cherry, cherry, tobacco and spices; it is warm and embracing on the palate, with tannins and strong minerality. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has been aged for at least 24 months, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were harvested, of which a minimum of 6 months must be in wooden recipients. Sambuca di Sicilia PDO Rosato is various shades of pink, ranging from onion-skin to coral; the nose offers hints of fresh fruit and floral notes, creating an elegant, yet intense aroma; it is fresh, sapid and harmonious on the palate, with a characteristic finish. Sambuca di Sicilia PDO Passito ranges from golden to amber; the nose is intense, with notes of dried fruit, honey and candied orange peel; it is smooth on the palate, supported by a pleasant tartness which leads to a long and extremely persistent finish. Grapes used for the production of Sambuca di Sicilia PDO Passito wine must be dried after the harvest, in suitably air-conditioned environments.
Grape variety specifications
The Sambuca di Sicilia PDO may display the following grape variety specifications. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Chardonnay, Grecanico, Ansonica (or Inzolia or Insolia), pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured unaromatic grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. From red grape varieties (incl. Riserva): min. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d’Avola, Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, pure or with the addition of similarly-coloured unaromatic grapes originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin. Sambuca di Sicilia PDO red wines qualify as Riserva if they have been aged for a mandatory period of at least 24 months, of which a minimum of 6 months must be in wooden recipients; the ageing period commences November 1st of the year in which the grapes were harvested.
Additional specifications
The Sambuca di Sicilia PDO designation can be followed by the specification Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym.
