The territory

Ancient map of Mazara del Vallo

The territory – The territory of Mazara del Vallo is characterized by a surface area of 14,500 hectares and soils of different nature, from limestone to clay, from the tuff of marine origin to alluvial, which are generally of modest slopes. The territory is characterized by a substrate formed mainly by an association of mediterranean red soils with brown soils, soils with a high presence of rocks, soils very poor in humus, consisting of mineral debris prevalent, soils in which the abundant presence of particular types of expandable clay minerals, and alluvial soils that are rich in potassium and contain a similar salinity that make the products qualitatively unique. The soils have physical characteristics, chemical and climatic changing from area to area, but the most common ones are balanced texture and slightly clayey Sandy (alluvial), subalcalina Jet, medium limestone content, humus and nitrogen, potassium-rich comparable, and on average phosphorus; have such a distinct viticultural vocation.The Plains and low hills of the area, while presenting numerous and various micro-environments, manifested in the characters of the Mediterranean climate. The average annual rainfall is around 600 millimeters of rain, distributed about 70-80 days, with average annual temperature of 16.5 °C. Rarely the temperature comes close to values close to zero, as well as rarely exceed 36°C.

Gazzerosse land

The territory is particularly windy. The Sirocco that blows from the South-South East is generally hot and humid and can reach high speeds and often brings sand and salt (in this case we speak of “MARASCATA”). The Tramontana (the north wind) is rarer and is characterized by cold and dry temperature. The West, which often reaches a high intensity, and Mistral (northwest wind) are usually in winter while in spring and in summer can end more winds in same day. These features make the qualitatively unique wine production and give a strong viticultural vocation to the territory of Mazara del Vallo, making it among the most renowned in Sicily. All the wines produced come exclusively from the vineyards of Gazzerosse spanning about 60 hectares within 7 kilometres from the Strait of Sicily and enjoy a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot summer days and nights quite cool and with sea breezes that can guarantee a thermal bump is important for the formation of the fragrant scents of grapes, favoring a proper ripeness and allowing tannins, acidity, fruity-scented and sugar of the grape to achieve an ideal balance to produce the well-structured red winesbut also very elegant and refined, and fresh white wines, mineral and rich varietal aromas and scents.