The Menfi DOC is an appellation in south-western Sicily, between the provinces of Agrigento and Trapani. It was born in 1995. It has about 199 hectares, with an output of 4,750 hectolitres. The area covers the municipalities of Menfi, Sciacca and Sambuca di Sicilia, in the province of Agrigento, and Castelvetrano, in the province of Trapani.
The 2014 rules
In 2014 the production rules were thoroughly revised. The Superiore, Rosato, Spumante and Passito categories arrived, together with many single-variety wines, and the Bonera and Feudo dei Fiori subzones were abolished.
Whites and reds
The Bianco comes from at least 60% Ansonica, known locally as Inzolia, Catarratto, Chardonnay, Grecanico Dorato and Grillo, alone or together. The Rosso and the Rosato come from at least 60% Alicante, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nerello Mascalese, Perricone and Syrah. Many wines name a single variety on the label, with at least 85%: among the whites Fiano, Vermentino, Grillo and Viognier; among the reds Nero d'Avola, Aglianico, Frappato and Perricone. Two varieties can also share the label: the first at most 85%, the second at least 15%.
Superiore, Riserva and sweet wines
The Superiore ages at least one year and is released from 1 November of the year after the harvest. The Riserva, for the Rosso, Nero d'Avola, Perricone and Syrah, ages at least two years and is released from 1 November of the second year. The range is completed by the Spumante, the Vendemmia Tardiva and the Passiti, white and red. The minimum alcohol is 10.5%.
