Contessa Entellina DOC in Sicily dates from 1993. It  covers wines from the eponymous village of Contessa Entellina in the province of Palermo, western Sicily. The varietal wines are made from at least 85-100% of each variety and 0-15% approved varieties of the same colour with all calculations made on percentages planted in the vineyard.

Viticulture: Irrigation is allowed to prevent vine stress but not to boost yields.

Yields: Base yields are set at 12 tonnes per hectare, with up to 20% more in ‘favourable’ years.

Winemaking: The wines can be made in the Contessa Entellina and surrounding communes and, with permission, in Marsala. Bottling can take place in the the provinces of Palermo, Agrigento and Trapani.

White wines

Contessa Entellina DOC Bianco: White wine from 50-100% Ansonica (Inzolia) and 0-50% other white grapes authorised in Sicily.

Contessa Entellina DOC Bianco + named grape variety: Contessa Entellina Ansonica, Contessa Entellina Cataratto, Contessa Entellina Chardonnay, Contessa Entellina Fiano, Contessa Entellina Grecanico, Contessa Entellina Sauvignon (Blanc) and Contessa Entellina Viognier are made from 85-100% of the named variety plus 0-15% other authorised grapes. If two authorised grape varieties are named on the label then each must comprise 15-85% of the blend.

Pink wines

Contessa Entellina DOC Rosato: Made from 50-100% Nero d’Avola (or Calabrese) or Syrah plus 0-50% other non-aromatic red grapes authorised in Sicily. Wines bearing a varietal name such as Contessa Entellina Cabernet sauvignon, Contessa Contessa Entellina Merlot, 
Contessa Entellina Nero d’Avola, Contessa Entellina Pinot Nero, and Contessa Entellina Syrah
 are made from 85-100% of the named variety plus 0-15% other authorised grapes. If two authorised grape varieties are named on the label then each must comprise 15-85% of the blend.

Red wines

Contessa Entellina DOC Rosso: Same grape varieties as for Contessa Entellina Rosato above.

Contessa Entellina Rosso DOC Riserva: Same rules as for Contessa Entellina Rosso above except the wine must spend at least 6 months in wood and may be released only after 24 months from November of the harvest year.

Sweet wines

Contessa Entellina DOC Vendemmia Tardiva: Made from 50-100% Ansonica (Inzolia) and 0-50% authorised white grapes. Sweetness levels: Abboccato, Amabile and Dolce.

Wineries

No certification: Donnafugata.