Sicily
Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island, has a climate, shaped by influences of the Mediterranean sea and offers an ideal setting for viticulture. Influenced by Greeks, Phoenicians, Arabs, and Italians, winemaking traces back to 2,000 BC. With such a impressive history and using modern winemaking techniques, wines from Sicily are a breed apart.
The best of Sicily wines
Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island, has a climate, shaped by influences of the Mediterranean sea and offers an ideal setting for viticulture. Influenced by Greeks, Phoenicians, Arabs, and Italians, winemaking traces back to 2,000 BC. With such a impressive history and using modern winemaking techniques, wines from Sicily are a breed apart.
Sicily used to focus on bulk wine, but in the 1980s quality viticulture was resurged. Nowadays, quality wines from Sicily are more standard than an exception.
Siciliy has many different wines and wine styles. Some typical Sicilian wines are for example Grillo and Etna Bianco. Marsala is a worldwide known fortified wine.
Sicily's three valleys—Val di Mazara, Val di Noto, and Val di Demone—each possess distinct climates, landscapes, and rich wine legacies. These valleys showcase diverse terroirs, native grapes, and produce some exceptional wines.
The presence of iconic volcanoes, notably Mount Etna, enhances the region's charm, securing its UNESCO World Heritage List status.
Sicilia produces some of the most underestimated Italian wines.
Grapes in wines from Sicily
Sicily boasts over 65 native grape varieties, but two stand prominently: Catarratto and Nero d'Avola. Nero d'Avola, in particular, holds a special place as Sicily's most renowned grape. Originally from the southeast, between Ragusa and Syracuse, it's now cultivated across the region.
While Sicily is recognized for international varieties like Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, and Chardonnay, it also celebrates regional treasures such as Grillo, Cattarato, Insolia, Zibibbo, Perricone, and Frappato.
The regions of Sicily wines
Val di Mazara
This valley, famed for Marsala, hosts diverse native grapes thriving in calcium carbonate-rich soils. The Ponente and Maestrale winds influence blue grapes like Nero d'Avola and white grapes such as Catarratto and Chardonnay. Sciacca lies in this region and is known for its warm climate and a blend of local and international grapes, crafts full-bodied wines from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d'Avola blends. Contea di Sclafani, nestled amid mountains, yields lighter reds and high-acid whites like Riesling-esque Catarratto. Grapes like Chardonnay thrive here, offering remarkable outcomes.
Val di Noto
The southeastern valley, with its UNESCO heritage sites and the ancient Greek city of Syracuse is famous for Nero d'Avola and Frappato, this region offers a range from full-bodied reds to fresh and fruity examples. Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily's only DOCG, crafts blends of Frappato and Nero d'Avola.
Val di Demone
In the northeast of Sicily lies Etna with its high-altitude vineyards, Etna produces exceptional reds and whites akin to Red Burgundy or Barolo, offering invigorating and aromatic wines. Here you find wines made from amongst others the Nocera grape.
Wine producers
The terroir of Sicily wines
Sicily has diverse wines and wine styles due to its climate and soils. Warm, dry conditions dominate, with limited rainfall. Winds play a vital role—some bringing refreshing rains, others extending growing seasons. Mountains on the other hand moderate temperatures. Some vineyards are situated at 1200 meters above sea level.
The island's soils contribute distinct characteristics: calcium carbonate-rich soils yield lighter wines with heightened acidity and delicate aromas, while volcanic soils create textured, mineral-rich wines. Sandy terrains, on the other hand, craft elegant, aromatic reds.
The classifications of wines from Sicily
The Sicilia DOC (since 2011), covers all of Sicily, with a diverse range of grape varieties, and wine styles. Within this region, wines are often labelled by grape variety. In addition to traditional red and white wines, the Sicilia DOC also offers sparkling, rosé and dessert wines.
Etna is known as Sicily's premier wine region, characterized by mineral-rich soils that feed Etna DOC wines, particularly Etna Rosso, a flagship wine.
Other important subregions are Vittoria, Noto and Faro, along with appellations such as Marsala, Alcamo Rosso, Etna Rosso and Cerasuolo di Vittoria.