DOC area for red wines, rosé wines and white wines in the Italian region and island of Sicily. The zone includes the municipalities of Acireale, Aci Sant'Antonio, Belpasso, Biancavilla, Castiglione di Sicilia, Giarre, Linguaglossa, Mascali, Milo, Nicolosi, Paternò, Pedara, Piedimonte Etneo, Randazzo, Sant'Alfio, Santa Maria di Licodia, Santa Venerina, Trecastagni, Viagrande and Zafferana Etnea in the province of Catania. Over 130 additional geographical indications (vineyards = vigna) are permitted on the label. This is a very old wine-growing region. In the "Storia dei Vini d'Italia" (History of Italian Wines) published in 1596, wines from here are mentioned and their high quality is attributed to the fly ash blown in from the nearby volcano Etna (Mongibello).

Climate & Soil

The vineyards are located on the slopes of the Etna volcano between 400 and over 1,000 metres above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers, cool nights and strong temperature differences between day and night, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly and in a balanced way. The soils consist of volcanic tuff, basalt and sand with a high proportion of minerals and very good drainage. These special conditions give the wines their typical freshness, finesse and pronounced minerality.

DOC wines

The Bianco is produced from Carricante (max. 60%), the Catarratto Bianco varieties Comune or Lucido (max. 40%), as well as Trebbiano Toscano, Minella Bianca and other authorised varieties (max. 15%). Bianco Superiore is produced from Carricante (max. 80%), as well as Trebbiano Toscano and/or Minella Bianca and other authorised varieties (max. 20%). varieties (max. 20%). Rosso (also as Riserva) and Rosato are produced from Nerello Mascalese (80%), Nerello Mantellato = Nerello Cappuccio (max. 20%) and other authorised varieties (max. 10%). The Spumante is produced from Nerello Mascalese (max. 60%) and other authorised varieties (max. 40%).

DOCG classification

In November 2023, the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna decided to apply for the designation to be elevated to DOCG. The aim is to further improve quality through stricter production regulations, lower maximum yields per hectare and a more precise definition of origin with clear demarcation of subzones and vineyards. There are also plans to allow the term "municipalità" (municipal origin) on the label, provided the grapes come exclusively from one of these municipalities. The new regulations are expected to be implemented from the 2026 vintage. However, official recognition as DOCG Etna is still pending.

Map: Chumwa, derived from Etna DOC, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Etna: By BenAveling - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link