About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Cerasuolo di Vittoria comes from the Dorilli and Mogli vineyards at Acate, in the countryside between the sea and the Iblean Mountains. The vineyards lie at 70–80 m above sea level. Their predominantly sandy soils consist of loose, moderately deep red sand. A tufa layer at approximately 90 cm improves water retention and helps regulate the vines’ water supply.
Planting density is 5,050 vines per hectare. Nero d’Avola is trained on an espalier with spur-pruned cordons, while Frappato is trained using the Guyot system. Yields are 65 q/ha (6.5 t/ha) for Nero d’Avola and 55 q/ha (5.5 t/ha) for Frappato.
The vineyards are cultivated according to organic-agriculture criteria and the SOStain® protocol. Cover crops of beans, vetch and wildflowers increase organic matter and nitrogen while encouraging soil microfauna. Plant health is managed with small quantities of sulphur and copper; beneficial insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts are used to deter pests.
Grapes
60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato, both indigenous Sicilian varieties.
Vinification
Harvest takes place from 10 to 25 September. Grapes are gathered both manually and mechanically and transported to the winery in small trailers. After crushing and destemming, they are transferred to 114 and 170 hl stainless-steel vats.
Fermentation lasts 7–8 days. The temperature is maintained at approximately 14–15 °C during the initial phase; refrigeration is then stopped, allowing the wine to reach 24–25 °C as fermentation concludes. Three short pump-overs lasting 10–25 minutes are performed each day according to the fermentation stage, with an emphasis on gentle extraction and preserving the fruit. Total skin contact lasts 13–15 days before racking.
Malolactic fermentation occurs in the same vats and finishes between December and January.
Ageing
After malolactic fermentation and a further racking, maturation continues in 114 and 170 hl stainless-steel vats. The 2024 vintage was bottled in July 2025. Closures may be single-piece natural cork, DIAM® or NOMACORC®.
Technical data
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG. Alcohol: 13% vol. Total acidity: 5.35 g/L. pH: 3.53. Available formats: 0.75 L and 1.5 L. Bottle weight: 400 g.
Tasting profile
The bouquet forms a mosaic of red fruit and spices. Ripe pomegranate, strawberry and red mulberry are joined by sandalwood, coriander and Sichuan peppercorn. The palate echoes the aromatic profile, adding black pepper, carob and sweet cherry. The 2024 vintage is smooth and full-bodied, with a rounded finish marked by mulberry.
Serving and pairing
Suitable for drinking immediately or ageing for 6–8 years. Pair with a slice of seared tuna when in season, white meats, tomato-based dishes, pizza or classic pasta alla Norma.
Vintage notes
The 2024 growing season in southeastern Sicily remained relatively dry, although the rainfall deficit was less severe than in previous years. Harvest began only seven days earlier than usual, and production was 20% lower. Frappato responded with a particularly aromatic varietal expression. Nero d’Avola from Vittoria and Noto showed intense but less opulent aromas than in other vintages.
Label / history
The first vintage was 2001. The denomination’s name derives from “cerasa,” the Sicilian word for cherry, reflecting a fruit closely associated with the wine’s aromatic character.