Marsala DOC takes a historic step forward, officially launching the process to introduce UGAs – Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive (Additional Geographical Units). The move marks a turning point in the territorial interpretation of one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic wines, opening a new strategic phase focused on identity, recognisability and long‑term competitiveness.
The decision was unanimously approved during the annual erga omnes General Assembly of the Consorzio di Tutela del Marsala DOC, held on 29 April at Cantine Pellegrino. The vote initiates the institutional approval process involving the Sicilian Region, the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, and the European Commission. Shared by growers, wineries and bottlers, the decision closes the current three‑year consortial term while opening a new strategic horizon for the denomination.
From Zoning to a Renewed Identity for Marsala DOC
With the launch of the institutional process to include UGAs in the production regulations, Marsala DOC prepares to strengthen its positioning as a structured territorial system, capable of highlighting individual areas and building a more contemporary, competitive narrative.
Zoning becomes a key tool in supporting quality, recognisability and value over time, restoring to Marsala a deeper and more modern reading—one able to engage new audiences and reaffirm its role among Italy’s great wines.
As Benedetto Renda explains:
“The Assembly expressed a clear and shared vision. With the ratification of the UGAs, we begin an institutional process that strengthens Marsala’s identity and opens new market perspectives. We must expand consumption occasions, engage new audiences and bring Marsala into contemporary languages, including mixology and cocktails, where it can express extraordinary versatility and strong international recognisability”.
Marsala DOC: The Four UGAs Identified
At the core of the project lies a technical and scientific study based on a multifactorial analysis combining vineyard georeferencing with climatic, pedological and orographic data. This work led to the identification of four homogeneous areas: Stagnone, Altopiano dei Bagli, Triglia and San Nicola, conceived to enhance territorial differences as a foundational element of the denomination.
According to Carlo Alberto Panont:
“We worked with the Panagri study on solid scientific foundations, correlating climate, soils, altitude, exposure, wind patterns and vine development. The UGAs arise from a real reading of the territory and represent an operational tool to build value over time. It means moving from implicit knowledge to measurable knowledge, capable of supporting quality, identity and recognisability.”
Landscape, Time and Wine Tourism as Strategic Drivers
The UGA project extends beyond viticultural classification, opening new perspectives for wine tourism and for the relationship between wine, territory and community.
As Roberto Magnisi highlights:
“With this step, we return to the land. UGAs allow us to restore Marsala’s landscape and its agricultural and community dimension. This project also has strong implications for wine tourism: defining areas means building destination, creating relationships and generating experience. And then there is time—Marsala’s great heritage—long ageing, preserved in maturation cellars, a planted legacy that today returns as an identity value and a lever for development.”
Within this vision, Marsala once again emerges as a wine of territory and time, capable of dialoguing with contemporary languages without losing its historical depth.
Consorzio Vino Marsala: Board of Directors Renewed for 2026–2029
During the same Assembly, members of the Consorzio Vino Marsala unanimously renewed the Board of Directors for the 2026–2029 term, confirming all outgoing members: Benedetto Renda, Roberto Magnisi, Orazio Lombardo, Francesco Intorcia and Giuseppe Figlioli.
A choice of continuity that accompanies a moment of profound evolution for the denomination.
