Sicily - Wines

Nero d'Avola

Nero d'Avola is Sicily’s flagship red grape variety and produces wines that range from bold and powerful to fresh and fruity. Known as 'the black grape of Avola,' this wine is characterized by deep color, flavors of dark berries, plums, and spices, with hints of licorice and tobacco. Depending on where it’s grown, Nero d'Avola can express varying levels of richness and complexity, from structured and age-worthy examples to more accessible, everyday wines. This versatile variety has become a symbol of Sicilian viticulture, reflecting the island’s history, warmth, and vibrancy.

Etna Rosso

Etna Rosso is a red wine produced on the slopes of Mount Etna, primarily from the indigenous Nerello Mascalese grape. These wines are celebrated for their elegance, high acidity, and distinctive minerality, a direct result of the volcanic soils where the vines are grown. Etna Rosso offers flavors of red berries, cherry, and herbs, with subtle smoky undertones. The wines often draw comparisons to Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo due to their refined structure and ability to age gracefully. The combination of altitude, volcanic soil, and traditional winemaking methods makes Etna Rosso one of Sicily’s most sought-after wines.

Grillo

Grillo is a versatile white grape variety that thrives in Sicily’s warm climate and is known for producing aromatic and refreshing wines. Often used in the production of Marsala, Grillo has gained popularity as a standalone varietal for crisp, dry wines. Grillo wines typically display notes of citrus, green apple, and floral aromas, with a hint of salinity due to the coastal vineyards where it’s often grown. The grape’s natural acidity and bright character make it a popular choice for summer drinking and seafood pairings, showcasing the fresh and vibrant side of Sicilian white wines.

Passito di Pantelleria

Passito di Pantelleria is a renowned sweet wine made from Zibibbo grapes (Muscat of Alexandria) grown on the small volcanic island of Pantelleria, located between Sicily and North Africa. The grapes are dried under the sun before fermentation, resulting in a lusciously sweet wine with intense flavors of apricot, honey, orange peel, and exotic spices. The natural acidity balances the sweetness, making it a perfect match for desserts or blue cheese. Passito di Pantelleria is considered one of Italy’s finest dessert wines, reflecting the unique terroir and ancient winemaking traditions of Pantelleria.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Cerasuolo di Vittoria is Sicily’s only DOCG wine and is a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato. This wine is known for its bright cherry color and vibrant, juicy flavors of red berries, pomegranate, and spices. Frappato adds freshness and floral notes, while Nero d'Avola provides structure and depth. The result is a balanced and approachable wine with soft tannins and lively acidity. Cerasuolo di Vittoria is often enjoyed slightly chilled and pairs well with a wide range of foods, from light pasta dishes to grilled meats, making it a versatile and quintessential expression of Sicilian winemaking.

Carricante

Carricante is an indigenous white grape variety primarily grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. It produces mineral-driven wines with crisp acidity and flavors of citrus, green apple, and white flowers, often accompanied by a hint of smokiness from the volcanic soil. Carricante-based wines are known for their ability to age, developing more complex notes of honey, nuts, and dried fruit over time. Etna Bianco, which is typically made from Carricante, represents the purity and elegance of high-altitude Sicilian white wines, offering a distinctive expression of the island’s volcanic terroir.

Frappato

Frappato is a light-bodied red wine that offers a bright and fresh profile, characterized by notes of red cherries, strawberries, and floral hints. Predominantly grown in southeastern Sicily, particularly in the Vittoria region, Frappato is often blended with Nero d'Avola to create Cerasuolo di Vittoria. On its own, Frappato produces a delicate and aromatic wine with moderate tannins and lively acidity, making it an ideal choice for pairing with lighter dishes like charcuterie and grilled vegetables. The wine’s playful and fragrant nature has made it increasingly popular among those seeking a different expression of Sicilian reds.