Exploring the Best Wines of Sicily

By Jennifer Lutrell | Published on 2023-01-10

Welcome to the world of Sicilian wines! Sicily is a beautiful Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea, and it is home to some of the most exquisite wines in the world. From the unique terroir of the island to the diverse grapes and varieties, Sicily has something to offer for every wine lover. In this article, we will explore the best wines of Sicily, from the famous Lugana to the DOC Sicilian wines and the top Sardinian whites. We will also take a look at the different grapes and varieties that make up the Sicilian wine experience. So, let's dive in and explore the best wines of Sicily!

Sicily's Wine Regions

Sicily is an Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea and is home to some of the world’s most renowned wines. Sicily is divided into several wine regions, each with its own unique characteristics and styles. The most popular regions are Etna, Marsala, and Vittoria.

The Etna region is located in the northeast corner of the island and is known for its volcanic soils and unique terroir. The wines produced here are often full-bodied and complex, with aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, and minerals. Etna is home to some of the most sought-after wines in Sicily, including Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.

The Marsala region is located in the western part of the island and is known for its sweet fortified wines. These wines are made from a blend of local grapes, such as Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia, and are aged in oak barrels for several years. Marsala wines are often served as a dessert wine or as an aperitif.

The Vittoria region is located in the southeastern corner of the island and is known for its red and white wines. The red wines are made from Nero d’Avola and Frappato grapes, while the whites are made from Grecanico and Catarratto. The wines produced here are often full-bodied and complex, with aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, and minerals.

Sicilian Grapes and Varieties

Sicily is known for its unique and diverse range of grape varieties, with some of the most popular being Nero d'Avola, Frappato, Nerello Mascalese, and Inzolia. These grapes are used to make some of the most iconic wines of the region, such as the Nero d'Avola DOC wines, the Frappato DOC wines, and the Nerello Mascalese DOC wines. Each of these grapes has its own unique characteristics and flavors, making them ideal for creating a variety of different wines.

Nero d'Avola is a dark-skinned grape variety that is used to make full-bodied, tannic red wines. The wines are often characterized by notes of dark fruits, spice, and earthy aromas. Frappato is a light-skinned grape variety that is used to make light-bodied, fruity red wines. The wines are often characterized by notes of red fruits, floral aromas, and a hint of spice. Nerello Mascalese is a medium-bodied red grape variety that is used to make full-bodied, tannic red wines. The wines are often characterized by notes of red and black fruits, spice, and earthy aromas. Finally, Inzolia is a white grape variety that is used to make light-bodied, fruity white wines. The wines are often characterized by notes of citrus, stone fruits, and floral aromas.

The Best Lugana Wine

Lugana is a white wine produced in the Lombardy region of Italy, in the province of Brescia. The wine is made from the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which is grown in the vineyards around Lake Garda. The Lugana DOC was established in 1968 and is one of the most popular white wines in Italy. The wine is light and crisp, with a delicate aroma and a hint of almond.

The best Lugana wines are produced in the hills around the lake, where the soil is rich in minerals and the climate is ideal for growing grapes. The wines are characterized by their light body and fresh acidity, with aromas of citrus, white flowers, and a hint of almond. The best Lugana wines are aged for at least six months in oak barrels, which gives them a more complex flavor and a fuller body.

Lugana wines are perfect for pairing with seafood dishes, as well as lighter pastas and risottos. They are also excellent for sipping on their own, as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to a meal. The best Lugana wines are those that are made with care and attention to detail, and they can be enjoyed for years to come.

Red Wines from Sicily

Sicily is a region renowned for its red wines, and the variety of grapes used to produce them is impressive. From the native Nero d'Avola to the international Cabernet Sauvignon, there is something for everyone. The Nero d'Avola grape is the most widely planted in Sicily, and it is used to produce some of the region's most famous wines. It produces wines with intense aromas of blackberry, cherry, and plum, with a hint of spice. The wines are full-bodied and have a long finish.

The international varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are also widely planted in Sicily. These grapes are used to produce wines with intense aromas of blackberry, cherry, and plum, with hints of spice, tobacco, and leather. The wines are full-bodied and have a long finish.

Sicily also produces some of Italy's most famous sweet wines. These wines are made from the Moscato di Pantelleria and Malvasia delle Lipari grapes, and they are characterized by intense aromas of honey, apricot, and peach, with a hint of spice. The wines are sweet and have a long finish.

DOC Sicilian Wines

Sicily is home to some of the most renowned DOC wines in the world. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which is a certification that guarantees the quality and origin of the wine. DOC wines from Sicily are known for their unique flavors and aromas, as well as their distinct terroir.

The most popular DOC wines from Sicily are Nero d'Avola, Frappato, and Moscato di Pantelleria. Nero d'Avola is a full-bodied red wine with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. Frappato is a light-bodied red with aromas of cherry and raspberry, and a hint of floral notes. Moscato di Pantelleria is a sweet, aromatic dessert wine with notes of honey, apricot, and orange blossom.

Other DOC wines from Sicily include Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Etna Rosso, and Zibibbo. Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a unique blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and spice. Etna Rosso is a full-bodied red wine with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. Zibibbo is a sweet, aromatic dessert wine with notes of honey, apricot, and orange blossom.

Best Saperavi Wine

Saperavi is a dark-skinned grape variety that is native to the country of Georgia, but has found its way to the island of Sicily. It is known for producing full-bodied, tannic wines that are often aged in oak barrels. The wines produced from this grape are typically deep ruby in color and have aromas of blackberry, plum, and spice.

Saperavi wines from Sicily are known for their intense flavors and complexity. They are often blended with other grapes such as Nero d'Avola or Frappato to create unique and interesting wines. The best Saperavi wines from Sicily are often aged in oak barrels for up to two years, which adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile. These wines are best enjoyed with red meats, game, and aged cheeses.

The best Saperavi wines from Sicily are often produced in the region of Etna, where the volcanic soil and cooler climate provide ideal conditions for this grape variety. Etna Saperavi wines are known for their intense aromas and flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth. They are full-bodied and tannic, with a long finish that lingers on the palate. These wines are best enjoyed with hearty dishes such as stews and grilled meats.

Schiava Wine Brands

Schiava wine is a light-bodied red wine made from the Schiava grape variety, also known as Vernatsch or Trollinger. This variety is native to the Alto Adige region of northern Italy, and is one of the most widely planted grapes in the area. Schiava wines are known for their bright, fruity flavors, and are often enjoyed as an aperitif or with light dishes.

The most popular Schiava wine brands include Alois Lageder, Abbazia di Novacella, and Cantina Terlano. Alois Lageder produces a range of Schiava wines, from a light, fruity version to a more full-bodied version aged in oak barrels. Abbazia di Novacella produces a Schiava wine with intense aromas of ripe cherries and a hint of spice. Cantina Terlano produces a Schiava wine with aromas of red berries and a hint of herbs.

Schiava wines are also known for their unique flavor profile, which includes notes of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry. They are often enjoyed with lighter dishes such as salads, pastas, and fish. Schiava wines are also a great choice for those looking for a light, refreshing wine to enjoy with a meal.

Sardinian White Wines

Sardinia is an Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea and is home to some of the best white wines in the world. The island is known for its unique climate and soil, which make it the perfect place for growing grapes and producing high-quality wines. The most popular white wines from Sardinia are Vermentino, Nuragus, and Moscato.

Vermentino is a light-bodied white wine with a crisp and refreshing taste. It has aromas of citrus, peach, and herbs, and pairs well with seafood dishes. The Nuragus grape is a native variety of Sardinia and produces a light-bodied white wine with a floral aroma and a hint of almond. It pairs well with light dishes such as salads and fish. Moscato is a sweet and aromatic white wine with notes of peach, honey, and orange blossom. It is best served chilled and pairs well with desserts.

Sardinian white wines are known for their complexity and balance. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special events. Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing white wine or a sweet and aromatic one, Sardinian white wines are sure to please.

Conclusion

Sicily is a beautiful region with a rich wine-making history. From the best Lugana wine to the DOC Sicilian wines, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The variety of grapes and styles of wines make it a great place to explore and discover new favorites. Whether you’re looking for a light white or a full-bodied red, you’re sure to find something to love in Sicily’s diverse selection of wines.