Sicily
Sicily, a gem of the Mediterranean, is renowned for its vibrant wine production, yielding approximately 5,000,000 hectoliters annually. This sun-kissed region is home to a blend of indigenous and international grape varieties, such as Nero d'Avola, Inzolia, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, creating an impressive portfolio of wines. The heart of viticulture can be traced to the western province of Trapani, a terrain dedicated to the cultivation of Marsala DOC. The Marsala wine, which saw a dip in popularity in the 1960s, has since regained its standing thanks to stringent production regulations. Sicily's signature white wines are crafted from Cataratti, Inzolia, Grecanico, and Grillo, while its red wines owe their rich flavors to Nero d'Avola, Perricone, and Frappato. Despite its growing fame for dry wines, Sicily's sweet dessert wines, such as Malvasia delle Lipari and Moscato Passito di Pantelleria, continue to enchant with their golden hues, aromatic profiles, and velvety softness.
| Region | Sicily |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Climate and soil | Sicily enjoys a diverse climate, characterized by a warm, dry coastal strip, and a moderate, humid central region. The seas influence the climate, creating local ventilation. Prevailing winds from the East and West intensify the region's aridity, particularly during the high summer temperatures. The Scirocco wind occasionally hits the vineyards with temperatures reaching up to 55°C. Rainfall is mainly confined to the winter months and is prevalent in the upper regions of Etna, the Sicilian Apennines, and the Iblei mountains. However, precipitation is scarce in the plains of Catania and Gela, where rainfall totals less than 600 mm per year. |
| Red grape varieties | Cabernet Sauvignon, Frappato, Merlot, Nerello Cappuccio, Nero d'Avola, Perricone, Sangiovese, Syrah |
| White grape varieties | Ansonica/Inzolia, Carricante, Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Chardonnay, Grecanico Dorato, Grillo, Malvasia di Lipari, Zibibbo |
| DOCG | Cerasuolo di Vittoria |
| DOC | Alcamo, Contea di Sclafani, Contessa Entellina, Delia Nivolelli, Eloro, Erice, Etna, Faro, Malvasia delle Lipari, Mamertino di Milazzo, Marsala, Menfi, Messina, Monreale, Moscato di Siracusa, Noto, Pantelleria, Riesi, Salaparuta, Sambuca di Sicilia, Santa Margherita di Belice, Sciacca, Sicilia, Siracusa, Vittoria |
| IGT | Avola, Camarro, Fontanarossa di Cerda, Salemi, Salina, Sicilia, Terre Siciliane, Valle Belice |