Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located at the southernmost tip of Italy. It has been known as a "wine and food paradise" for over 3,000 years. This time, we will introduce "Sicilian wine", which is made from grapes grown freely in the calm Mediterranean Sea.
History of Sicilian wine
Sicily is said to be a crossroads of ancient civilizations. It has been ruled by various nations, including the Greeks, Phoenicians, Arabs, and Italians.
Wine making is said to have begun around 4000 BC. Later, in the 8th century BC, the Greeks established advanced viticulture techniques on the island in order to produce high-quality wine. Sicilian wine has a surprisingly long history and is an essential production region for Italian wine.
Sicilian grape characteristics and recommended wines
Sicily's Mediterranean climate, with its bright sunshine and mild rainfall, is ideal for producing wine grapes. A warm, dry climate minimizes mold and rot, which also limits the use of chemicals such as pesticides. Therefore, many Sicilian wines are made from organic grapes.
We will introduce the characteristics of the grapes mainly used in Sicily and the wines.
White wine
grillo
Grillo is a traditional Sicilian grape and one of the most representative grapes of Sicily. It is also used in the base blend of the Sicilian fortified wine Marsala. Styles range from light and fresh to complex and mature. It has a citrus flower and fruity aroma, white peach and grapefruit aromas, and a tangy acidity.
In Sicily, it is often paired with grilled swordfish with plenty of olive oil and herbs.
Grillo, made with 100% Grillo grapes, has a concentrated aroma reminiscent of bottled apples and a nuance reminiscent of tropical fruits. It has a well-balanced taste of fruit and acidity. Enjoy with grilled white meat, fish, or seafood appetizers.
Catarratto
Cataratto is the most commonly grown grape in Sicily. A delicate bouquet of white flowers, ripe citrus, melon and herbal aromas, and crisp acidity round out the wine. A daily wine perfect for marinated dishes, seafood, and shellfish.
Inzoria
Subtle green and floral with subtle fruit aromas. I feel nuts, herbs, and soft acidity. It is characterized by an elegant and well-balanced alcohol and soft mineral aroma. We recommend pairing with mushroom pasta, fish dishes, chicken, etc.
“Bianca di Valguarnera” is a wine named after the founder, Prince Giuseppe. It is fermented and aged in barriques (Otaru). This is an elegant wine with a noble atmosphere, complex and deep aromas of dried fruits and nuts, and a firm body.
red wine
Nero d'Avola
Sicilian wine has a centuries-old history. Among them, Nero d'Avola is a symbol of Sicilian oenology. Along with Grillo, it is also one of the most popular grape varieties. Red wine made from Nero d'Avola has a deep color and flavor with soft tannins. It has just the right amount of structure, juicy acidity, and dark, plump flavors of fruit and spice.
It pairs well with grilled tuna, red meat, lamb, pork mushroom risotto, and pizza. This is the kind of thing you'd want to prepare for a home party with your friends and prepare some delicious food.
``Il Moro'' is a wine that brings out the full potential of Nero d'Avola. A red that emphasizes fruit flavors, it has a deep color and a concentrated taste. Enjoy a fine and smooth drinking experience.
Nerello Mascalese
elegant red. It grows in volcanic soil rich in minerals at the foot of Mount Etna. This wine has characteristics similar to Pinot Noir from the Burgundy region of France, with firm acidity and fresh, pure fruit flavors. Over the past 20 years, it has become popular and has created a passionate following.
``Animal Dente Etna Rosso'' uses only grapes from Santo Spirito vines that are over 60 years old. Dense and luscious nectar, a rich bouquet and a unique rich minerality derived from lava. A powerful yet soft wine.
Three main brands of Sicilian wine
In Sicily, the most famous dessert wine in the past was Moscato di Pantelleria, which is made from Muscat grapes. Afterwards, Marsala, a fortified wine made by adding brandy or distilled wine to wine, became all the rage. Today, many of the most famous wines are the dry table wines of the "Sicilia DOC" and the regional IGT title "Terre Siciliane".
Currently, there are 23 DOC and 1 DOCG in Sicily, but we will introduce three production areas that you should keep an eye on.
Etna DOC, an elegant wine made from volcanic soil
Etna is the name of an active volcano in the eastern part of Sicily. Etna's climate is quite different from the rest of Sicily. Although it is a high mountain with strong sunlight, it receives twice as much precipitation as other regions. The unique wines produced on Mount Etna were certified by the DOC in 1968. He is currently seeking promotion to DOCG.
The main grapes in the Etna Mountains are Nerello Mascalese for red and Carricante for white.
At higher temperatures and lower altitudes, Nerello Mascalese develops firm tannins. With just the right amount of tannin and elegance, Etna's indigenous grape produces a flavor similar to the red wine grape varieties Nebbiolo and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir).
The only DOCG in Sicily “Cerasuolo di Vittoria”
Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a red wine blend that achieved DOCG status in 2005. 50% to 70% of the base is made up of Nero d'Avola, and the rest is Frappato. Nero d'Avola provides color, structure and depth, while Frappato provides aroma and freshness. It has smooth tannins with fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry (Cerasuolo means cherry). A fruity red with a firm body.
Good old fortified white wine "Marsala"
If you want to enjoy traditional Sicilian wine, try Marsala.
Marsala wine originated in the 18th century, during the Age of Discovery, when Woodhouse, an English trader, added alcohol to the white wine he encountered in Marsala, a port town on the western tip of Sicily. After that, Vincenzo Florio teamed up with Woodhouse and started the business in 1833.
Currently, Marsala liquor is made under the DOC, which requires all traditional methods to be used, including the type of native grapes, cultivation areas, and brewing methods. Must (juice) is squeezed and fermented from grapes, and brandy and wine spirits are added. The alcohol content is increased while maintaining the sugar content, and the wine is aged in oak barrels.
It is recommended as an after-dinner drink with Sicilian desserts such as cassata, or as a flavoring for desserts such as tiramisu.
?Feel like you're on vacation with "Sicily's wine" floating in the Mediterranean Sea
Sicilian wine is appealing because it can be enjoyed casually. This is a wine that you want to enjoy while sitting around the table with friends and family. Why not enjoy the feeling of being on vacation with wine made from grapes grown freely in the bright sunlight?
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