SICILY

throughout the world”.
IRVOS, a public body supporting Sicilian
vine and wine production, with the task of
protecting, promoting and developing it,
has masterminded the constitution of the
protecting Consortium, leading to the birth
of the DOC last June.
“If Sicily today has a strong, dynamic
image among Italian oenology”, continues
Monte, this is due to the thoughts and
deeds of farsighted entrepreneurs, experts,
oenologists, functionaries and politicians
who have won this challenge. They
understood that it was necessary to refine
production methods in order to exploit the
potential of a unique territory and become
more competitive on the markets. They
understood the importance of effective
promotion to reach ever-widening markets.
And in particular, they understood they
need for a common logo like DOC Sicilia,
a designation with borders that can be
immediately seen on any map”.
IRVOS is moving on three fronts in support
of Sicilian wine. In the vineyards and in the
experimental “G. Dalmasso” wine-cellar
of Marsala (Trapani), the Institute has set
up vine-growing models that enable full
exploitation of the unique features of the
territory and the wealth of the varietal
heritage. Today, however, its original
function of experimentation and research
applied to vine-growing, oenology and
microbiology has extended to support
for the competitiveness of Sicilian wine
producers on national and international
markets, by means of suitable promotional
campaigns. “This way we have had new
confirmation of the enormous growth of
the Sicilian system”, states Monte. “And for
this we also have to thank the work of the
Tasting Sicily n.01/2013 11
Terroir
Sicily has over 100 thousand hectares
under vine cultivation, a record production
of 3 million hectolitres of DOP and IGP wine,
a unique varietal heritage created from
a well-conceived mix between exclusive
autochthonous and international vines.
Institute, which has dedicated itself during
these last months to supporting campaigns
abroad”. An important factor for this growth
is also the Institute’s guarantee role in
checking and certifying Sicilian designated
origin vines and wine production.
This function is now strengthened by
the recognition of IRVOS as the sole
independent certifying body for DOC
Sicilia. “And the fact that this role is
attributed to a public body”, concludes
Monte, “can help to create a climate
of greater harmony within the new
Consortium, and a climate of greater
confidence on the markets”.