Description
The Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI refers to the fresh grape belonging to the Vitis vinifera L. species, deriving mainly from the following varieties: Italia and Victoria (White), Red Globe (Red), Black Magic, Black Pearl and Palieri (Black).
Production Area
The production area of Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI is within the municipalities of Caltagirone, Licodia Eubea and Mazzarrone, in the Province of Catania, the municipalities of Acate, Chiaramonte Gulfi and Comiso in the Province of Ragusa, in the Sicily region.
Production Method
The spacing of the vines and the pruning method must guarantee that the plant develops in perfectly balanced way and with suitable ventilation and sunlight. In the case of replantation, the land must lie fallow for at least two years, following which the soil must be analysed in order to identify damaging micro-organisms. If the presence of Xiphinema index is established, the land must lie fallow for a further five years, during which time cereal crops are permitted. The traditional high-trained tendone training system is used. The vineyards can be covered with suitable materials in order to favour early ripening or to bring the harvest forward; harvesting takes place between June and December, depending on the variety. The maximum unit production is 350 quintals of grapes for vines trained with the tendone system.
Appearance and Flavour
The peel of Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI is free from defects and the flesh is compact with a sweet and tasty flavour. The size of the grapes must be a minimum of 350-400 g depending on the variety. The shape of the bunches for the black grape are; pyramid (Black Magic), winged cylindrical-pyramid (Palieri) or winged conic and semi-compact (Black Pearl). The grapes have an intense and velvety blue-black colour with pearly highlights. The red variety is characterised by the conic or conic- trunk shape of the bunch; the skin of the grape is rosewood red or blue red in colour. The white grape has a conic-pyramid shaped bunch with a winged appearance for the Italia variety and compact for the Victoria. The skin ranges from creamy-white to golden yellow in colour and is covered in bloom. The flesh is compact and dense, with a sweet and delicate flavour.
History
The first signs of vineyards in the Mazzarone area date back to the end of the XIX century and are documented by several public trading acts of the time. Citations can also be found in the book La Civiltà della Vite in Sicilia by Bruno Pastena, demonstrating the great importance of viticulture in these areas. In the first half of the XX century, the area was characterised by the cultivation of various table grape varieties and in the 1950s there was a distinctive development in grape cultivation. This was also thanks to the intervention of land reforms which contributed to the adoption of innovative training systems and technical solutions that farmers began using to delay or anticipate the ripening of the grapes.
Gastronomy
Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI can be stored for over a month at very low temperatures and a suitable humidity level. To fully enjoy the beneficial properties of this product, it is best eaten fresh. Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI is also used as an ingredient in the preparation of cakes, marmalades, jams, sorbets and juices. Furthermore, it can be used in the cosmetic sector, as its juice has softening and lightening properties.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Uva da Tavola di Mazzarone PGI Nera (black), Bianca (white) and Rossa (red). It is sold from June to the end of December in suitable packaging that prevents the grapes being extracted without breaking the seal.
Distinctive Features
The climatic conditions of the production area, which is characterised by the almost complete absence of fog and rain, means that Uva da Tavola di Mazzarrone PGI can be stored under plastic cloths until December, without compromising its quality.
