A real success for the Sicilian co-operative wineries at the Vinitaly 2010. More than 20 prizes for these types of wineries that in Sicily represent more than 80% of the wine production. Next to the Viticultori Associati of Canicattì (Agrigento), that won many medals, mentions and a special prize Vinitaly region 2010 for Sicily, but there are also the Cantina Sociale dell’Alto Belice of San Cipirello (Palermo), the Colomba Bianca of Mazara del Vallo (Trapani), the Paolini, the Birgi and the Uvam of Marsala (Trapani) and the Cantine Patria di Solicchiata of Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania).

The reason of this success: quality. “In order to compete we work hard on the relationship between quality and price”, explained Giovanni Romeo, sales director of the Cantina Sociale Alto Belice, that includes 600 members and 1600 hectares of land. “This year we closed contracts worth one million pieces”, underlined Romeo, “moreover we focus on packaging, selling a good wine at a low price”.

“This is recognition for our work”, said Leonardo Taschetta, president of the cellars Colomba Bianca, “and the decision to use certain vineyards for quality wines awarded us”. According to Taschetta politics need to work also in this sector, “in order to improve the entrepreneurial spirit of the island”. “We introduced innovation and human resources in order to reach an interesting business by 2011 and to be ready after the economic crisis”.

“Sicilian producers need support especially in this period”, explained Francesco Di Miceli, president of the Cantine Patria. “We have members all around Sicily and we were awarded at the Vinitaly thanks to a Nero D’Avola produced near Agrigento, Palermo and Gela”. “We believe in our members and viceversa” he ended “which has been proven by the fact that each member brings his grapes to the cellars in order to produce good wines”.
 

Translated by Chiara Nunnari from John Milton Institute