What is made here
Wine colours
Colours the rules allow. Pick a colour to filter the rules and grapes below.
Where it is
Erice in Italy
- Latitude
- 37.8°–38.1° N
- Vineyard altitude
- 26 m to 386 m
- Production zone
- 69,999 ha
Worked out from the boundaries (smallest container first). They follow whole communes, so a neighbour sharing a commune can show up here too.
Boundary drawn from whole communes, so it is a little larger than the legal zone. Boundary: Eurac Research PDO inventory (CC0). Country outlines: Natural Earth. Dots on the zone map are the vineyard points used for climate.
Showing every colour The colour filter changes the rules and grapes. Climate, vintages and soils describe the vineyards, so they stay the same.
01 · What the law says
The rules
Limits on grapes, yields, ripeness and ageing that every wine labelled Erice must meet.
Blend rules
Erice Rosso
- ≥ 60% Calabrese o Nero d'Avola · Main grape
- ≤ 40% other grapes of the same colour suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Calabrese/Nero D`Avola
- ≥ 85% Calabrese o Nero d'Avola · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Frappato
- ≥ 85% Frappato · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Perricone/Pignatello
- ≥ 85% Perricone o Pignatello · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Cabernet Sauvignon
- ≥ 85% Cabernet Sauvignon · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Merlot
- ≥ 85% Merlot · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Syrah
- ≥ 85% Syrah · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Rosso Riserva
- ≥ 60% Calabrese o Nero d'Avola · Main grape
- ≤ 40% other grapes of the same colour suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
At least 24 months' ageing.
Blend rules
Erice Bianco
- ≥ 60% Catarratti · Main grape
- ≤ 40% other non-aromatic white grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Grecanico
- ≥ 85% Grecanico dorato o Grecanico · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Chardonnay
- ≥ 85% Chardonnay · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Mueller Thurgau
- ≥ 85% Müller-Thurgau · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Sauvignon
- ≥ 85% Sauvignon Blanc · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Ansonica/Insolia
- ≥ 85% Ansonica o Inzolia · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Grillo
- ≥ 85% Grillo · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Catarratto
- ≥ 85% Catarratti · Main grape
- ≤ 15% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Spumante Dolce
- ≥ 95% Moscato di Alessandria o Zibibbo · Main grape
- ≤ 5% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Spumante Brut
- ≥ 70% Chardonnay · Main grape
- ≤ 30% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Moscato
- ≥ 95% Moscato di Alessandria · Main grape
- ≤ 5% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Passito
- ≥ 95% Moscato di Alessandria o Zibibbo · Main grape
- ≤ 5% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Vendemmia Tardiva Zibibbo
- ≥ 95% Moscato di Alessandria o Zibibbo · Main grape
- ≤ 5% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Blend rules
Erice Vendemmia Tardiva Sauvignon
- ≥ 95% Sauvignon Blanc · Main grape
- ≤ 5% other grapes suitable for Sicily · Others allowed
Other varieties allowed
Besides the main grapes, the rules allow these varieties in some wines. Grape names link where a profile exists.
28 varieties · Erice Rosso, Erice Calabrese/Nero D`Avola, Erice Rosso Riserva
Aglianico, Alicante, Alicante Bouschet, Ancellotta, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Calabrese, Carignan, Catanese Nero, Ciliegiolo, Corinto Nero, Frappato, Gaglioppo, Malbec, Merlot, Mondeuse, Montepulciano, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nocera, Perricone, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo
27 varieties · Erice Frappato
Aglianico, Alicante, Alicante Bouschet, Ancellotta, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Calabrese, Carignan, Catanese Nero, Ciliegiolo, Corinto Nero, Gaglioppo, Malbec, Merlot, Mondeuse, Montepulciano, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nocera, Perricone, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo
27 varieties · Erice Perricone/Pignatello
Aglianico, Alicante, Alicante Bouschet, Ancellotta, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Calabrese, Carignan, Catanese Nero, Ciliegiolo, Corinto Nero, Frappato, Gaglioppo, Malbec, Merlot, Mondeuse, Montepulciano, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nocera, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo
27 varieties · Erice Cabernet Sauvignon
Aglianico, Alicante, Alicante Bouschet, Ancellotta, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Calabrese, Carignan, Catanese Nero, Ciliegiolo, Corinto Nero, Frappato, Gaglioppo, Malbec, Merlot, Mondeuse, Montepulciano, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nocera, Perricone, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo
27 varieties · Erice Merlot
Aglianico, Alicante, Alicante Bouschet, Ancellotta, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Calabrese, Carignan, Catanese Nero, Ciliegiolo, Corinto Nero, Frappato, Gaglioppo, Malbec, Mondeuse, Montepulciano, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nocera, Perricone, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo
27 varieties · Erice Syrah
Aglianico, Alicante, Alicante Bouschet, Ancellotta, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Calabrese, Carignan, Catanese Nero, Ciliegiolo, Corinto Nero, Frappato, Gaglioppo, Malbec, Merlot, Mondeuse, Montepulciano, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nocera, Perricone, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tannat, Tempranillo
27 varieties · Erice Bianco, Erice Catarratto
Albanello, Ansonica, Carricante, Chenin Blanc, Damaschino, Fiano, Glera, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia di Lipari, Manzoni Bianco, Minnella Bianca, Montonico Bianco, Moscato Giallo, Muller Thurgau, Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Petit Manseng, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Vernaccia di S. Giminiano, Viognier, Zibibbo
28 varieties · Erice Grecanico
Albanello, Ansonica, Carricante, Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Chenin Blanc, Damaschino, Fiano, Glera, Grillo, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia di Lipari, Manzoni Bianco, Minnella Bianca, Montonico Bianco, Moscato Giallo, Muller Thurgau, Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Petit Manseng, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Vernaccia di S. Giminiano, Viognier, Zibibbo
29 varieties · 6 wines
Albanello, Ansonica, Carricante, Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Chenin Blanc, Damaschino, Fiano, Glera, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia di Lipari, Manzoni Bianco, Minnella Bianca, Montonico Bianco, Moscato Giallo, Muller Thurgau, Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Petit Manseng, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Vernaccia di S. Giminiano, Viognier, Zibibbo
28 varieties · Erice Mueller Thurgau
Albanello, Ansonica, Carricante, Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Chenin Blanc, Damaschino, Fiano, Glera, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia di Lipari, Manzoni Bianco, Minnella Bianca, Montonico Bianco, Moscato Giallo, Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Petit Manseng, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Vernaccia di S. Giminiano, Viognier, Zibibbo
28 varieties · Erice Sauvignon, Erice Vendemmia Tardiva Sauvignon
Albanello, Ansonica, Carricante, Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Chenin Blanc, Damaschino, Fiano, Glera, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia di Lipari, Manzoni Bianco, Minnella Bianca, Montonico Bianco, Moscato Giallo, Muller Thurgau, Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Petit Manseng, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Semillon, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Vernaccia di S. Giminiano, Viognier, Zibibbo
28 varieties · Erice Ansonica/Insolia
Albanello, Carricante, Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Chenin Blanc, Damaschino, Fiano, Glera, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia di Lipari, Manzoni Bianco, Minnella Bianca, Montonico Bianco, Moscato Giallo, Muller Thurgau, Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Petit Manseng, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Vernaccia di S. Giminiano, Viognier, Zibibbo
28 varieties · Erice Grillo
Albanello, Ansonica, Carricante, Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Chenin Blanc, Damaschino, Fiano, Glera, Grecanico Dorato, Malvasia Bianca, Malvasia di Lipari, Manzoni Bianco, Minnella Bianca, Montonico Bianco, Moscato Giallo, Muller Thurgau, Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Petit Manseng, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino, Vernaccia di S. Giminiano, Viognier, Zibibbo
In the vineyard and cellar: rules for every wine
3,500
Vines per hectare, minimum
Training
Systems allowed
alberello; controspalliera
No forcing
Forcing the vines is prohibited
Permitted
Irrigation
Cellar
Where the wine must be made
Within the production zone
Not allowed
Enrichment (chaptalisation)
02 · Climate fingerprint
The climate
The growing season averages 21.8 °C, very hot on Gregory Jones's scale, with 2,530 growing degree days (Winkler V).
The average year 1991–2020, vineyards at about 140 m
Monthly mean, °CRain, mmGrowing season
- Growing-season temperature
- 21.8 °C
- Very hot · above 21 °C (Jones)
- Growing degree days
- 2,530
- Region V: 2,222 and over degree days
- Growing-season rain
- 247 mm
- Of 579 mm a year
- Harvest rain
- 137 mm
- September–October
Copernicus ERA5-Land monthly averages at 5 vineyard points (Vineyard point 1, 387 m; Vineyard point 2, 9 m; Vineyard point 3, 12 m; Vineyard point 4, 215 m; Vineyard point 5, 78 m), moved to each point's height from the model's terrain. Indices that need daily data are not captured yet. How the climate figures are made.
Closest climates in the database
Picked by the data, not by hand: the profiles nearest on season warmth (counted twice), degree days, rain, ripening-month nights and day–night range. Neighbours within 30 km are left out, as they share the same weather.
1. BinissalemVery similarCompared with Erice: same season warmth, similar rain.
2. SiciliaVery similarCompared with Erice: same season warmth, drier (−29 mm).
3. Salice SalentinoVery similarCompared with Erice: same season warmth, wetter (+56 mm).
Growing-season temperature
Growing degree days
Growing-season rain
03 · Year by year
35 vintages
Each column is one growing season: heat above or below the 1991–2020 average, and rain at harvest. Pick a year for the details.
Warmer than averageCooler than averageHarvest rain (Sep–Oct)Average harvest rain, 137 mm
2025
- Growing-season temp.
- Growing degree days
- Harvest rain
- Growing-season rain
- September nights
- Hot days and frosts
Seasons are labelled by harvest year (April–October). Year-to-year changes from ERA5-Land; tested against station records in Alto Adige (r = 0.94 for season temperature at Bolzano). Rain varies more locally, so treat single-season rain with some caution. Vintage ratings, harvest dates and frost or hail events have places in the data model but are not loaded yet.
04 · Where the numbers come from
Sources
- A geospatial inventory of regulatory information for wine protected designations of origin in Europe · Candiago et al., Scientific Data 9, 394 (2022); Eurac Research · CC0
- Quality wines in Italy and France: a dataset of PDO specifications · figshare 25393261 · CC BY 4.0
- ERA5-Land monthly averaged data (reanalysis-era5-land-monthly-means) · Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), Climate Data Store · CC BY 4.0 (Copernicus licence)
- OpenStreetMap vineyard areas (landuse=vineyard), from Geofabrik country extracts · OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL 1.0
- Copernicus DEM GLO-90 (AWS open data tiles) · European Space Agency / Copernicus · Copernicus DEM licence
- Disciplinare di produzione: Erice · Ministero dell'agricoltura, della sovranità alimentare e delle foreste (MASAF) · Official act
- Appellation nesting worked out from boundaries (pipeline/build_nesting.py) · Vinous, from the Eurac PDO boundaries · CC0 (source data)
- Climate profiles calculated by Vinous: method
Still to check (3)
- Generated from EU reference data: check against the current product specification.
- From the specification: Minimum density (new plantings) is 3,500 vines/ha for white grapes and 4,000 for black. Passito grapes may be dried in a fruttaio; vendemmia tardiva grapes are dried on the vine. The spumante dolce's sugar minimum refers to EU rules.
- National tier (DOC/DOCG) not captured yet; rules extracted from the specification text.