Contessa Entellina

About the wine

The Contessa Entellina DOC, established in 1993, represents a diverse viticultural area in the Belice Valley of Sicily. The denomination is unique for its broad range of permitted varietals, encompassing both traditional Sicilian grapes like Ansonica, Catarratto, and Nero d'Avola, and international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are produced in white, red, and rosato styles, with specific provisions for varietal-labeled wines (requiring at least 85% of the stated grape) and a 'Vendemmia Tardiva' (late harvest) style. The terroir is defined by hilly, clay-rich soils and a Mediterranean climate with significant diurnal temperature shifts, which favor balanced acidity and aromatic complexity. The wines are generally characterized by their freshness, structural harmony, and clear varietal expression. The DOC also allows for a 'Riserva' designation for reds, requiring a minimum of 24 months of aging, including six months in wood, ensuring a more complex and structured profile.

Grape varieties

Production & aging

The production zone is strictly limited to the municipal territory of Contessa Entellina in the province of Palermo, Sicily. Situated in the heart of the Belice Valley, the area is characterized by high and medium-altitude hills with clay-rich soils and a Mediterranean climate, providing an ideal environment for both indigenous and international grape varieties.