he ancient Sicilian burg of Erice, on the slopes of Mount San Giuliano in the province of Trapani, has been chosen as the emblem of this D.O.C. wine that is produced both in the territories of Erice and in those of Buseto Palizzolo, Valderice, Custonaci, Castellamare del Golfo (about a 247 acres only), and the hilly areas of the commune of Trapani in the direction of Calatafimi and Salemi.
The historical, walled town of Erice is situated 700 meters above sea level. It was built by the Elimi and destroyed by the Carthaginians in 260 B.C. It didn’t have many inhabitants under the Romans, but it flourished again under the Normans, when Roger ordered a castle to be built there.
Erice has managed to preserve its medieval atmosphere, its narrow, paved streets and its stone houses. Sitting high up in its nest, Erice dominates its D.O.C. vineyards all the way to the reserves of the promontory of Zingaro and the coast of San Vito Lo Capo to the east and the salt mines of Trapani to the west.
One of the objectives of the Erice D.O.C. appellation is to give due recognition to indigenous grape varieties like Catarratto, Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Insolia, Frappato, Perricone, and Zibibbo. But other grape varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are also used in Erice D.O.C., bringing an international dimension to the local vintners’ challenge.
