Vigna del Gallo
Sicily's viticultural biodiversity
This is a small vineyard that preserves the viticultural biodiversity of Sicily.
The toponym Vigna del Gallo refers to the ancient name of the area, once owned by the Dukes of Archirafi, where the Botanical Garden was established starting in 1789.
In this area of approximately 200 sqm, 95 native grape varieties have been planted, which form the basis of the DOC Sicilia (Denomination of Controlled Origin), and relic grape varieties, i.e. plants that have been present for centuries in small areas of the island where only a few specimens remain.
The aim is to preserve germplasm of absolute historical, genetic and cultural value, forgotten by the current production system.
Created in 2018, the vineyard is part of the Urban Vineyard Association, which protects the rural, historical and landscape heritage of urban vineyards.
The vine varities planted bear witness to thousands of years of wine-growing culture and represent the state of knowledge of Sicilian ampelography.
The vineyard is managed by the University of Palermo, which carries out research and training activities in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences (SAAF) and the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian DOC Wines.
