Wines of Sicily

Discover the secrets of Sicilian wines: A journey through the winemaking tradition of Southern Italy

Sicily is one of the richest regions of Italy both for its history and for its winemaking tradition. Sicilian wines are among the most appreciated in the world and are famous for their quality. In this article we will discover what the secrets of these delicacies are and how to enjoy them to the fullest.

Sicilian Wines: An ancient and rich history

The tradition of wine production in Sicily dates back to the Greco-Roman period, when the island was rich in native varieties. Over the centuries, the production of Sicilian wines has remained at the heart of the region's culture and economy. Today, Sicilian wines are famous all over the world for their unique quality.

Sicilian wines: variety and characteristics

There are numerous varieties of Sicilian wines. The most famous are Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Frappato and Grecanico. These wines are characterized by a great aromatic complexity: hints of red fruits, spices, flowers and vanilla. Nero d'Avola is an intense, full-bodied red wine, while Nerello Mascalese is lighter and fruitier. Frappato is a light and aromatic rosé wine, while Grecanico is a fresh and fruity white wine.

How to choose the right wine

Choosing the right wine comes down to personal preferences and the occasion. For example, if you want to drink a high quality red wine, then you should opt for a Nero d'Avola. If you want a lighter and fruitier wine, you can choose a Nerello Mascalese. For a white wine, Grecanico is a great choice.

How to serve a Sicilian wine

To enjoy a Sicilian wine to the fullest, it must be served at a temperature of 18-20°C. It is advisable to serve red wines in fairly large glasses, with a wider base and a narrower top. White wines, on the other hand, are served in smaller glasses with a narrower base and wider top.

The right combination

Each wine has its own ideal pairing. For example, Nero d'Avola is a very versatile wine and goes well with meat-based dishes, such as grilled steak for example. Nerello Mascalese, on the other hand, goes best with fish or vegetable dishes. Frappato is a wine that goes well with lighter dishes, such as a mixed salad. Grecanico is a wine that goes well with fish or vegetable dishes.

5 tips for Sicilian wines

1. Choose a quality wine. Sicily is full of excellent quality wines, so choose a product from a reliable producer.

2. Taste more wines. Taste multiple Sicilian wines to find out which one you like best.

3. Store wine well. Store Sicilian wines in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.

4. Choose a right match. Pair Sicilian wines with the right dishes to get a unique taste experience.

5. Don't be shy. Don't hesitate to drink Sicilian wine and experiment with new varieties.

Discovering the secrets of Sicilian wines is a unique experience. Sicily is one of the richest regions of Italy and Sicilian wines are among the finest in the world. In this article we have explored the history of these wines, their characteristics, how to choose and serve a Sicilian wine and how to pair it with the right dishes. By following these tips you will be able to enjoy these delicacies to the fullest and discover the secrets of Sicilian wines.

Denomination Wines of Sicily

Sicily is a region famous all over the world for its wine production. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the presence of volcanoes and the richness of the soil, the island is able to produce some of the most appreciated wines in the world. In this article we will explore the main denominations of Sicilian wines, their vines and their organoleptic characteristics, to discover the excellence of Sicilian wine production.

Introduction to wine production in Sicily

The production of wine in Sicily has very ancient roots, dating back to Greek and Roman times. The region boasts a great variety of soils, from the volcanoes of Etna and the Aeolian Islands to the hills of the hinterland, which allow for the cultivation of numerous native and international vines. Thanks to the use of innovative techniques and attention to quality, Sicilian wine production is constantly growing, offering the market high quality wines, capable of satisfying every palate.

The main denominations of Sicilian wines

The denominations of wines of Sicily are divided into four main categories: Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC), Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG), Typical Geographical Indication (IGT) and Table Wines. Let's see in detail the characteristics of each one.

Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC)

The denomination of controlled origin (DOC) is a quality mark that is assigned to wines that meet specific production criteria. In Sicily there are 23 DOCs, among which Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Moscato di Pantelleria and Etna Rosso stand out.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a red wine produced in the south-eastern part of the island, in the province of Ragusa. The wine is produced with grapes from the Nero d'Avola and Frappato vine, in variable percentages, and has an intense ruby red colour, a fruity aroma and a dry and soft flavour. It goes perfectly with red meats, cured meats and aged cheeses.

Muscat of Pantelleria

Moscato di Pantelleria is a sweet wine produced on the island of Pantelleria, located southwest of Sicily. The wine is produced with grapes from the Moscato di Alessandria vine, locally called Zibibbo, and has an intense golden yellow colour, an intense and aromatic bouquet and a sweet and soft flavour. It goes perfectly with sweets and desserts.

Etna Red

Etna Rosso is a red wine produced on the slopes of Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. This wine is mainly produced with grapes from the native Nerello Mascalese vine, which grows on volcanic and high altitude soils.