Description
The Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI refers to fresh table grapes belonging to the species Vitis vinifera L., deriving mainly from the following varieties: Italia b. and Victoria b., Red Globe rs., Black Magic n., Black Pearl n. and Michele Palieri n.
Production Area
The production area of Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI is within the municipalities of Caltagirone, Licodia Eubea and Mazzarrone, in the Province of Catania, and the municipalities of Acate, Chiaramonte Gulfi and Comiso in the Province of Ragusa, in the Sicily region.
Production Method
The spacing of the vines and the pruning method must guarantee that the plant develops in a perfectly balanced way, with appropriate ventilation and sunlight. In the event of replantation, the land must lie fallow for at least two years, following which the soil must be analysed in order to identify damaging micro-organisms. If the presence of Xiphinema index is established, the land must lie fallow for a further five years, during which time cereal crops are permitted. The traditional “pergola” high-training system is used. The vineyards can be covered with suitable materials in order to favour early-ripening, or to bring the harvest forward; harvesting takes place between June and December, depending on the variety. The total unit production is 35,000 kg of grapes per vineyard trained with the pergola high-training system.
Appearance and Flavour
The peel of Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI is free from defects and the pulp is firm with a sweet, tasty flavour. The weight of the grapes must be a minimum of 350-400 g, depending on the variety. The shape of the bunches of black grapes are: pyramid (Black Magic), winged cylindrical-pyramid (Michele Palieri) or winged conic and semi-compact (Black Pearl). The grapes have a deep velvety bluish-black colour with pearly highlights. The red variety is characterised by the conic or conic-trunk shape of the bunch; the skin of the grape is rosewood red or bluish-red in colour. The bunch of the white grape is a conic-pyramid shape; that of the Italia variety has a secondary cluster and is loosely clustered, and that of the Victoria variety is compact. The skin ranges from creamy-white to golden yellow in colour and is covered in bloom. The pulp is compact and dense, with a delicate, sweet flavour.
History
The first evidence of vineyards in the Mazzarone area dates back to the end of the 19th century, documented by several public trading acts of the time. Citations can also be found in the book La Civiltà della Vite in Sicilia by Bruno Pastena, demonstrating the great importance of viticulture in these areas. In the first half of the 20th century, various table grape varieties were being cultivated in the area, and in the 1950s there was a distinctive growth in grape cultivation. This was also thanks to the intervention of land reforms, which contributed to the adoption of innovative training systems and technical solutions which farmers began using to delay or speed up the ripening of the grapes.
Gastronomy
Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI will keep for over a month if stored at very low temperatures and a suitable humidity level. It is best eaten fresh to fully benefit from its beneficial properties. Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI is also used as an ingredient in cakes, marmalades, jams, sorbets and juices. It is also used in the cosmetic sector, as its juice has softening and lightening properties.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Uva da Tavola di Mazzarone PGI, in the following varieties: black, white and red. It is available from June until to the end of December and is sold in suitable packaging that prevents the grapes being extracted without breaking the seal.
Distinctive Features
The climatic conditions of the production area, which is characterised by the almost complete absence of fog and rain, means that Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI can be stored under plastic cloths until December, without compromising its quality.
