Valle Belice

The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Valle Belice" is reserved for the following types of wine: White (also Sparkling), Red (also Sparkling and Novello) and Rosé (also Sparkling).

Grapes

Wines with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Valle Belice" must be obtained from vines suitable for cultivation in Sicilia. The specification of the vine is allowed in case of use of the same for a minimum of 85%, while the remaining 15% can be obtained from another vine suitable for cultivation in Sicilia. If the specification involves two varieties there are additional production constraints: for a more precise characterization, please refer to the information contained in the specification.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white wines with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Valle Belice" are straw yellow in colour, combined with an intense fruity perfume and a dry to sweet, typical and savoury taste. The Red is ruby red in colour, with a complex, fruity aroma and a dry to sweet, harmonious and typical taste. The rosé, on the other hand, has a cherry-pink colour, accompanied by an intense persistent perfume and by a taste that goes from dry to sweet, typical and characteristic. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 9% vol. for the sparkling wine, 11% vol. for all other types.

Grape production area

The production area includes the entire territory of the municipalities of Santa Margherita Belice, Montevago, Menfi, in the province of Agrigento, and Contessa Entellina in the province of Palermo.

Specificity and historical notes

Near the Hipsas River, now known as Belice, stood an ancient city, Inycum, whose renowned wine production of excellence is attested by Stefano Bisantino.


Source: MIPAAF - Ministry of agricultural, food and forestry policies