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Sicily
Italy
Top Subregions: Passito di PantelleriaSambuca di SiciliaContea di SclafaniSiciliaMenfiVittoriaPantelleriaMalvasia delle LipariFaroMoscato di Noto
Region Description
Sicily is an Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the "toe" of the Italian peninsula. It is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is home to a rich and diverse terroir and wine culture. Sicily has a long and storied history of winemaking, with evidence of viticulture dating back to the 8th century BC. The island has been home to many different cultures over the centuries, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, all of whom have left their mark on the island's wine culture. Today, Sicily is one of Italy's most important wine regions, producing a wide range of styles from both indigenous and international grape varieties.
Grapes & Wine Styles
Sicily is home to a wide range of both indigenous and international grape varieties. The most widely planted indigenous varieties are Nero d'Avola, Frappato, and Catarratto in the west part, and Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante in Mount Etna and Faro. International varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are also widely planted. Sicily produces a wide range of styles, from light and fruity whites to full-bodied reds. The island is also home to some of Italy's most famous dessert wines, such as Marsala and Passito di Pantelleria.
Notable Producers
Sicily is home to some of Italy's most renowned winemakers, including Planeta, Tasca d'Almerita, and Donnafugata. These producers are known for their high-quality wines, which have earned them international acclaim.
Fun Fact about Sicily
Sicily is home to the highest active volcano Mount Etna, which is one of the most important subregions of the island.
Top Wines from Sicily
Planeta Chardonnay
Planeta
Planeta Chardonnay is made by the iconic Sicilian producer Planeta and is famous for highlighting the quality potential of Sicilian white wines in the mid-1980s. Made exclusively from Chardonnay fruit grown within the Menfi appellation in south-western Sicily where the warm sunshine and cooling sea influence results in ripe fruit with balanced acidity. The winemaking focuses on texture with fermentation in barrels and almost weekly batonnage during evolution. The style is always opulent, mouth-filling yet balanced.
Read more Food Pairing:
Fish
Pasta
Vegetable
Duck And Goose
Cusumano Nero d'Avola
Cusumano
Cusumano Nero d'Avola is a highly regarded red wine that hails from the beautiful island of Sicily, Italy. Produced by a renowned family-owned winery, this wine showcases the best of the Nero d'Avola grape variety. Grown in vineyards with ideal conditions, the grapes benefit from the island's warm climate and mineral-rich soils. The winemaking process involves careful selection and fermentation, resulting in a wine that is rich, full-bodied, and bursting with flavors of dark fruits, spices, and hints of chocolate. Cusumano Nero d'Avola is a perfect choice for those seeking a bold and expressive red wine that truly captures the essence of Sicily.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Pizza
Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Rosso Natural
Occhipinti
Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Rosso is an exceptional red wine crafted by the esteemed winemaker Arianna Occhipinti. Produced in the Vittoria region of Sicily, Italy, this wine is a blend of Frappato and Nero d'Avola grapes sourced from organic vineyards. The vineyards are situated on sandy soils, benefiting from the Mediterranean climate. The winemaking process involves spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and aging in large oak barrels. The resulting wine is a true reflection of the terroir, offering vibrant red fruit aromas, floral notes, and a hint of spice. It's a light-to-medium-bodied wine with a balanced acidity, expressing elegance and purity, and epitomizing Arianna Occhipinti's dedication to natural winemaking practices.
Read more Food Pairing:
Vegetable
Tuna And Swordfish
Tornatore Etna Rosso
Tornatore
Tornatore Etna Rosso is a captivating red wine that showcases the unique terroir of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. Crafted by a renowned family-owned winery, this wine is made from grapes grown in volcanic soils, which impart distinct mineral characteristics to the final product. The vineyards are situated at high altitudes, benefiting from cool temperatures and ample sunlight, resulting in grapes with excellent acidity and complexity. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the finest grapes, followed by fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The resulting wine is elegant, with a medium body, vibrant red fruit flavors, and a subtle hint of smokiness. Tornatore Etna Rosso is a true expression of the volcanic terroir, offering a unique and memorable drinking experience.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Cheese
Steak
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso
Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso is a captivating red wine that showcases the unique terroir of the Etna appellation in Sicily. Crafted with meticulous care, this wine is produced by a renowned estate known for its commitment to quality. The vineyards, nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, benefit from the volcanic soil and high altitude, resulting in grapes with exceptional character and complexity. The winemaking process emphasizes traditional methods, allowing the grapes to fully express their natural flavors. The Etna Rosso is known for its elegant and refined style, with a harmonious balance of fruit, minerality, and gentle tannins. It is a true testament to the remarkable wines that can be produced in this unique region.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Cheese
Game
Croquette