The Voluntary Consortium for the Protection and Promotion of the DOC wines Island of Pantelleria was established by the notarial deed dated 19th March 1997. It was recognized by the Decree of 5th April 2002 (published in the "Gazzetta Ufficiale" of the Italian Republic No. 100 of 30th April 2002) as the sole managing entity of this designation of origin. Its aims are to be identified in the need to ensure a legitimate defense of the good image of the designation of origin and of the income of the agricultural producers of Pantelleria, stimulating the recovery of abandoned vineyards and the enhancement of the production of the typical organoleptic treasures contained in clusters that shine on this volcanic soil.
In line with its evolutionary purposes, the Consortium has also made perform a scientific study aimed at the enhancement of the aromatic heritage of the Zibibbo grapes in various districts of the island, characterizing specificities and climatic diversities, pointing also to treasure the extraordinary versatility of this grape variety and its compatibility with other cultivars.
Moreover, it is merit of the Consortium a thorough verification – carried out by an equipe of agronomists – of the factual situation of the vineyards enrolled in the register of Pantelleria DOC, through an investigation of the actual current structure, of the management and of the existing plantations.
It is also to be attributed to the Consortium the impetus for the conclusion of the inter–trade agreements that are renewed every year before the harvest and have seen the minimum remuneration of the grapes that are harvested in Pantelleria rise significantly (up to three times compared to the past): right the unanimous willingness of the Companies of the Consortium saw recognized a particular rewarding treatment to the farmers who pursue quality.
Among other initiatives implemented by the Consortium, it should be emphasized its role as a prime mover of the proposal of regulatory amendment of the DOC, to ensure more clarity and compliance with all applicable customs, many of which correspond normatively to as much quality guarantees: what gave rise to the Decree of 27th September 2000 approving the New Production Regulations. This latter sees finally the updating of its rules at the changing of market conditions and new preferences of consumers in the world.
The regulations enacted in this way – and working since the 2000 vintage – leave proudly unchanged the values of tradition: which, indeed, are now enhanced. The new framework contains three DOC: Passito di Pantelleria, Moscato di Pantelleria (both made from grapes dried in the sun and whose finished product, not with addition of alcohol, can only be bottled on the island), as well as the other DOC Pantelleria which includes six types (the two liqueur wines, a gold wine, a sparkling wine, sweet Zibibbo and a white wine) whose bottling is permitted within the territory of Sicily. For each type, the maximum production per hectare is clearly and strictly regulated, as well as the percentage of maximum yield of fresh grapes into wine and liters of wine per hectare. Furthermore, regulations about labeling, presentation and packaging of the products are more suitably articulated.