A sweet wine from Messina in Sicily mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), said to have been much appreciated by Julius Caesar (100-44 BC). The Mamertines were an ancient people who believed themselves to be descendants of the god Mars. To the west of Messina in the province of the same name lies the small town of Galati Mamertino today. Here there is the DOC area Mamertino di Milazzo. According to an unverifiable hypothesis, the Nocera variety approved for this wine is said to be a descendant. See also under Ancient Grape Varieties and Ancient Wines.
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