Contea di Sclafani DOC: Sicily’s Mountain Wine Region Guide

[to]

What is Contea di Sclafani DOC?

Contea di Sclafani DOC is one of Sicily’s most distinctive mountain wine regioproducing elegant Catarratto whites and expressive Nero d’Avola reds from vineyards perched between 300 and 1,000 meters in the Madonie Mountains. Established in 1996, this Sicilian DOC appellation unites tradition with innovation, showcasing both native grapes and international varieties shaped by high-altitude terroir.

History and Medieval Origins

The name recalls the County of Sclafani, a feudal territory dating back to the 12th century, when Norman and later Aragonese nobility cultivated Sicily’s fertile valleys. Today, the DOC encompasses towns like Valledolmo, Sclafani Bagni, and Alia, where winegrowing has thrived for centuries. This is a place where medieval heritage meets modern viticulture.

---

Geography and Terroir of the Madonie Mountains

The DOC stretches across Palermo, Caltanissetta, and Agrigento provinces. With limestone-rich, sandy–clay soils and dramatic elevations up to 1,000 m, vineyards benefit from cooler mountain nights, preserving freshness and aromatics. This terroir produces wines that are simultaneously Mediterranean in warmth and Alpine in elegance.

• Climate: Mediterranean with mountain influence
  
• Soils: Limestone, clay, sandy deposits
  
• Altitude: 300–1,000 meters
  

Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

White Wines (Catarratto and Blends)

• Dominated by Catarratto (min. 95%) in Bianco wines
  
• Often blended with Inzolia, Grecanico, Grillo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  
• Late-harvest Vendemmia Tardiva whites offer honeyed, tropical notes
  

Red Wines (Nero d’Avola and Others)

• Nero d’Avola and Perricone form the backbone of Rosso wines
  
• Supported by Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nerello Mascalese, Pinot Nero
  
• Styles range from bright and fruity Rosato to structured Riserva and even Spumante
  

DOC Regulations and Winemaking

• Minimum alcohol: 12% for Bianco and Rosso, 12.5% for Riserva
  
• Aging:
  
  • Bianco Riserva – 1 year
    
  • Rosso Riserva – 2 years (Nov. after second harvest)
    
  • Vendemmia Tardiva – 18 months (6 in oak)
    
• Vineyard elevation: ≥300 m
  

Tasting Notes and Wine Characteristics

Whites (Catarratto-driven)

• Color: Straw yellow with greenish highlights
  
• Aromas: Citrus peel, wild herbs, white peach, Mediterranean flowers
  
• Palate: Crisp, mineral, with a touch of almond on the finish

Reds (Nero d’Avola / Perricone)

• Color: Deep ruby
  
• Aromas: Dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice
  
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, firm tannins, balanced acidity

Food Pairing and Serving Recommendations

• Whites: Serve at 10–12 °C; pair with Sicilian seafood, fried anchovies, grilled vegetables, or citrus salads.
  
• Reds: Serve at 16–18 °C; pair with roasted lamb, ragù alla Siciliana, caponata, or aged pecorino.

Where to Buy and Pricing Guide

• Producers to try: Tenuta Regaleali (Tasca d’Almerita), Castelluccimiano, Feudo Montoni
  
• Pricing:
  
  • Catarratto whites: €18–€30
    
  • Nero d’Avola blends: €25–€50
    
  • Riservas and collector wines: €60+
    

Available through specialist Sicilian wine retailers, Italian importers, and select online merchants.

FAQ on Contea di Sclafani DOC

• What makes these wines special?
  High-altitude vineyards give them freshness and elegance rarely found in Sicily.
• How do they compare to other Sicilian wines?
  Compared to Etna DOC, they’re less volcanic but equally structured; compared to coastal DOCs, they’re fresher and more mineral.
• What food pairs best with Catarratto wine?
  Seafood pasta, grilled swordfish, or Sicilian citrus salads.

Fun Facts & Cultural Notes

• Rosso del Conte by Tenuta Regaleali was one of the first great Nero d’Avola wines to gain international acclaim.
  
• Pronunciation guide: “Con-tè-a dee Skla-fà-nee”
  
• Many producers here are pioneers in organic and sustainable viticulture, thanks to mountain freshness and biodiversity.
  
• The area is part of Sicily’s wine tourism routes, with tasting rooms, agriturismi, and hiking trails in the Madonie.

Love discovering hidden Italian wine regions?
Subscribe to the Drink Italian Newsletter for insider guides, tasting events, and curated Sicilian wine recommendations.

Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages 
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
cheers@drinkitalian.com 

If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta 

Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Sicilia.