The Mamertino DOC has its roots in the past, especially in the Mamertines’ past. They were mercenaries coming from Campania, devotees to the Oscan good Mamerte (corresponding to the latin Mars), enlisted by Agatocle – tyrant of Siracusa – between the end of IV and the beginning of the III century a.C. and remained for a long time in Sicily, contributing also to the success of Rome on Carthage during the first Punic war.

After the war activities, some Mamertines continued the traditional agricultural activities of the territory and planted in the hilly areas adjacent to Milazzo a valuable vine, from whose fruit was born one of the wines most appreciated by the Romans. In fact, the Mamertino trade was very flourishing, especially among the Roman patricians and not only, which is why it became a very sought-after wine. His goodness was such that Julius Caesar tells in the “De Bello Gallico” to have offered it to his guests during the banquet held to celebrate his third consulate. Even Pliny the Elder expressed himself positively on the Mamertino, calling it a wine worthy of the table of the Emperors.