Sicily is certainly a land of large agricultural productions, especially as regards viticulture and olive growing, but there is an area that stands out from all the others as regards the production of grapes: it is that of Mazzarrone, a small village agricultural area located between Catania and Caltagirone.
All 'Mazzarrone grapes one is also dedicated every year party: Here's everything you need to know about the topic.
The Mazzarrone grape
The Mazzarrone grape can be purchased in the white, red or black variants, given that its color depends on the production vine: in order not to make mistakes, however, it is always necessary to verify that the origin is clearly specified, which must be that PGI with the label that declares Mazzarrone table grapes. As for the more specific visual characteristics, the berries have an oval shape and not a round, slightly pointed one. Furthermore, each grain must have a weight varying between 3 and 5 grams and must have a very firm and compact pulp. Finally, the bunch appears extremely full-bodied.
The properties of Mazzarrone grapes
The most characteristic property of the Mazzarrone grape is certainly its flavour, which is sweet and decisive, so much so that it is not consumed only as table fruit but lends itself very well to the preparation of jams and compotes, given its firm consistency . Its use is recommended for those who have cholesterol levels particularly high, given that it has properties that serve to rebalance this aspect. Furthermore, if eaten as soon as you wake up and on an empty stomach, it has a purifying function of the whole organism. Finally, PGI grapes are attributed to this variety diuretic properties but also the remarkable ability to keep the blood particularly fluid.
The history of Mazzarrone grapes
The Mazzarrone grape has only become a PGI product since 2000 but its production in this area of Sicily is much older since some official documents have been found which testify that the introduction of this type of grape in the area between Catania and Caltagirone dates back to the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century. In fact, there are deeds of sale of land dedicated to the cultivation of vines in the district of Mazzarrone, given that the territory only became a full-fledged municipality in 1976. Since then, considerable improvements have been introduced to the techniques of grape growing which benefits, however, from particularly fertile soil and ideal climatic conditions.
The grape festival in Mazzarrone
Given that it is an excellence of the area, it should come as no surprise that a festival is also dedicated to the Mazzarrone grape which is held in September and which aims to make the product known to a vast public. There grape festival in Mazzarrone it is held in September, the month in which the grapes reach their maximum ripeness and are therefore much sweeter and tastier. During the event, participants will be able to discover the secrets of the production of this fruit but also taste many typical products and dishes, all made exclusively with the use of this special ingredient. The Grappolo d'Oro prize is then awarded to all those local personalities who have distinguished themselves for their cultural and social commitment.
What to see in Mazzarrone
It is possible to reach Mazzarrone to take part in the grape festival but also to discover some of the beauties of this small village. A visit not to be missed is certainly that of the Church of St. Joseph, built in 1904 on a pre-existing nineteenth-century structure, which is also the Mother Church. It also dates back to the early twentieth century Church of the Sacred Heart, which features inside a beautiful marble altar and a large crucifix entirely made of wood. Just outside Mazzarrone, then, there is the Sciri Sottano Suburban Park which is a protected area and contains the best of the local flora and fauna.
How to get to Mazzarrone
Those who want to reach Mazzarrone by car directly from Catania, they will simply have to take the SS194 to their destination while those coming from Caltanissetta will instead have to choose the SS626 or the SS190. Visitors coming from Palermo will first have to take the A19 and then the E932 until they reach the village, while from Messina the road is the A18.
Mazzarrone does not have its own train station, so those who want to reach the village on the train you will have to refer to the stations of Vittoria, Acate or Comiso and then continue from there with the bus numbers of the local lines made available by the AST company.
