Discover the Mamertino di Milazzo wine sub-region of Italy

about this subregion

Nestled in the northeastern tip of Sicily, close to the port town of Milazzo, the Mamertino di Milazzo DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is a celebrated wine region with a rich historical legacy. The area benefits from a quintessentially Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters—making it an ideal locale for viticulture. The terroir, a unique blend of volcanic soil from nearby Mount Etna and maritime influences from the Tyrrhenian Sea, imparts distinct characteristics to the wines produced here.

Among the red grape varieties, Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Nocera are the most planted. Nero d'Avola provides robust, fruity flavors with hints of spice, while Nerello Mascalese lends elegance and aromas of red fruit and florals. Nocera, an indigenous grape, adds depth and a touch of minerality, a reflection of the region's complex soil composition. These reds can be found in both single varietals and blends, capturing the multifaceted nature of the Mamertino di Milazzo DOC.

When it comes to whites, Carricante, Catarratto, and Inzolia (also known as Ansonica) dominate the vineyards. Carricante, often found in Etna wines, contributes high acidity and citrus notes, making it a refreshing choice for summer. Catarratto is known for its fuller body and flavors of tropical fruits. Inzolia adds complexity with its nutty undertones and floral aromatics.

Together, these grape varieties create a wine portfolio that mirrors the environmental diversity and historical richness of the Mamertino di Milazzo DOC, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of Sicily’s ancient and modern viticultural heritage.

Discover Terroir

Mamertino di Milazzo DOC, nestled in northeastern Sicily, is a captivating wine region that combines history, picturesque landscapes, and exceptional wines. The DOC is located near Tindari and Colli S. Rizzo, within the municipality of Messina, although it also includes Capo Milazzo and a small portion of the Nebrodi Park area. This DOC area is renowned for its viticultural heritage and the production of distinctive wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Climate:

The Mamertino di Milazzo wine region in northeastern Sicily, Italy, experiences a Mediterranean climate. The climate is influenced by the surrounding Mediterranean Sea, which moderates temperatures and contributes to the region's unique viticultural conditions. Here are some characteristics of the climate in Mamertino di Milazzo:

Summers: Summers in Mamertino di Milazzo are hot and dry, typical of a Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures during the summer months range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, which aids in grape ripening and development.
Winters: Winters in Mamertino di Milazzo are mild and relatively wet. Average temperatures during the winter months range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Rainfall occurs more frequently in winter, helping to replenish water reserves in the vineyards.
Rainfall: Mamertino di Milazzo receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year. The majority of the rainfall occurs during the winter and early spring months, while the summer months are typically dry. This pattern provides a balanced water supply for the vines during their growing season.
Winds: The region experiences various winds that have an impact on the climate and vineyards. The Mistral, a northwesterly wind, brings cooler and drier air, helping to mitigate high temperatures during the summer months. The Scirocco, a warm and humid wind from the southeast, can occasionally bring hot and dry conditions.

The climate of Mamertino di Milazzo provides favourable conditions for viticulture. The warm and sunny summers, mild winters, and moderate rainfall create an ideal environment for grape cultivation. These climatic factors, combined with the region's soil types and grape varieties, contribute to the production of distinctive wines in Mamertino di Milazzo.

Soil Types:

Here are some of the main soil types in Mamertino di Milazzo:

Clay Soils: Clay soils are prevalent in certain areas of Mamertino di Milazzo. These soils have small particle sizes, which result in good water retention. Clay soils provide vines with access to moisture during drier periods and contribute to wines with depth and structure.
Sandy Soils: Sandy soils can be found in parts of the region, particularly in coastal areas. These soils have larger particles and excellent drainage properties. Sandy soils warm up quickly, allowing for optimal grape ripening and wines that often exhibit bright fruit flavors.
Calcareous Soils: Calcareous soils, also known as limestone soils, are present in Mamertino di Milazzo. These soils contain significant amounts of calcium carbonate and offer good drainage. Calcareous soils often contribute to the wines' minerality, freshness, and complexity.
Silty Soils: Silty soils, a mix of fine particles and organic matter, can also be found in some areas. These soils tend to have good water retention capacity and provide a fertile environment for vine growth.

The combination of these soil types within Mamertino di Milazzo creates a mosaic of terroirs, allowing for diverse grape varieties to thrive and impart distinct characteristics to the wines. The interaction between the soil composition, climate, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques contributes to the unique expression of Mamertino di Milazzo wines.

Discover

The most planted grape varieties in Mamertino di Milazzo are as follows:

Red Grape Varieties:

Nero d'Avola: Nero d'Avola is the most widely planted red grape variety in Sicily, and it also has a strong presence in Mamertino di Milazzo. It produces full-bodied red wines with rich flavors of dark fruits, spice, and velvety tannins.
Nerello Mascalese: Nerello Mascalese is an indigenous Sicilian red grape variety that is increasingly gaining popularity in Mamertino di Milazzo. It is known for producing elegant and structured red wines with notes of red berries, floral hints, and a vibrant acidity.
Nocera: Nocera is a lesser-known red grape variety grown in Mamertino di Milazzo. It contributes to the production of medium-bodied wines with red fruit flavors, herbal undertones, and gentle tannins.

White Grape Varieties:

Carricante: Carricante is an indigenous white grape variety that is well-suited to the volcanic soils of Sicily, including Mamertino di Milazzo. It produces aromatic white wines with vibrant acidity, citrus notes, and minerality.
Catarratto: Catarratto is one of the most widely planted white grape varieties in Sicily, including the Mamertino di Milazzo region. It contributes to the production of refreshing white wines with crisp acidity, delicate floral aromas, and citrus flavors.
Inzolia (Ansonica): Inzolia, also known as Ansonica, is another important white grape variety in Mamertino di Milazzo. It produces wines with a balanced acidity, medium body, and flavors of stone fruits, herbs, and a touch of salinity.

These grape varieties represent the most commonly planted and influential cultivars in Mamertino di Milazzo. Their unique characteristics, combined with the region's terroir, contribute to the production of wines that showcase the distinctiveness of this northeastern Sicilian wine region.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Sicily, the Mamertino di Milazz DOC region boasts two outstanding wines – the white and red wines, each crafted with a unique grape composition that reflects the essence of this enchanting terroir.

For the white wines, the blend features a minimum of 45% Catarratto, lending its vibrant acidity and citrus notes to the wine's character. Complementing the blend are the local treasures Ansonica (known as Inzolia) and Grillo, each contributing a minimum of 35%. These indigenous grape varieties add delightful flavors of ripe fruits and a touch of floral elegance. The symphony of these three grapes is rounded off with a maximum of 20% other authorized white varieties, harmonizing the wine's profile. The result is a refreshing and zesty white wine, captivating with its crispness and lively fruitiness. Perfect for sipping on warm summer days or pairing with fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes, the Mamertino di Milazz white wines embody the essence of the sun-kissed Sicilian coast.

Meanwhile, the region's red wines celebrate the iconic Nero d'Avola grape, forming the heart of the blend with a minimum of 60%. This noble grape variety infuses the wine with intense dark fruit flavors, spiciness, and smooth tannins. Nocera, a local gem, adds a minimum of 10% to the blend, contributing its distinctive red berry notes and vibrant character. The composition is perfected with a maximum of 30% of other authorized red grape varieties, adding depth and complexity to the final wine. The result is a rich and velvety red wine, expressing the warmth of Sicilian sunshine and the allure of the Mediterranean landscape. Ideal with hearty pasta dishes, grilled meats, and aged cheeses, the Mamertino di Milazz red wines leave an indelible mark on every sip.

In the Mamertino di Milazz DOC region, these two wines stand as a testament to the winemaking heritage of Sicily. With their distinct grape compositions and enchanting flavors, they invite wine enthusiasts to savor the beauty and diversity of this remarkable corner of Italy.

Mamertino di Milazzo