Sicily is best known for its dry table wines, with white wines being a particular speciality. The consistent sunshine and moderate rainfall mark Sicily as ideal for wine production. The warm, dry climate and coastal breezes help to keep mildews and rots at bay in vineyards in Sicily, meaning fewer chemical sprays are needed. Therefore, many Sicilian wine grapes are grown and produced organically.
Sicily’s varied landscapes affect the wines being produced in Sicily. Mount Etna is a stratovolcano that has mineral-rich soil that is perfect for certain wine varieties. The lower slopes and coastal plains on the eastern side of Sicily produce excellent wines as well.
Sicilian Whites
Catarratto is one of the most commonly found varieties of grape grown in Sicily. Juice from this variety is exported to other regions of Italy to add to blends. The juice that remains in Sicily is generally used to make Marsala, a fortified wine that can either be dry or sweet. The white varieties Grillo and Inzolia are both also added to Marsala. Another sweet wine being produced in Sicily is Moscato di Pantelleria, with the primary grape being Muscat of Alexandria.
Sicilian Reds
While white wines are the most famous coming from Sicily, there are also notable red wines produced in Sicily. Nero d'Avola is very commonly grown in Sicily. Another variety of particular note is Syrah. While this varietal calls southern France home, the hot summers and soil conditions in Sicily work well for producing Syrah.
Our Wine Recommendations:
-
Tenuta dell'Abate - Lissandrello Inzolia
This dry, medium-bodied white wine has bright acidity and is characterized by delicate aromas, citrus notes, and a vegetal undertone. It pairs well with light fish and vegetable dishes.
-
Planeta - Chardonnay
This slightly off-dry chardonnay is medium-bodied and has milk to medium acidity. It has pineapple and apricot notes and a buttery finish. This wine will pair well with shellfish and heavier vegetarian dishes. -
Planeta - Etna Bianco
This dry white wine has bright acidity. It is characterised by peach and nectarine notes and orange aromas.
-
Morgante - Don Antonio Nero d'Avola (Riserva)
This is a bold red wine from Sicily with medium tannins. It is slightly off-dry and has mild acidity. Vanilla and tobacco notes are followed by blackberry and ripe cherry notes. This wine will pair very well with red meat dishes.
At Pasta Evangelists, we bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Prepared using the freshest ingredients, our gourmet pasta dishes are perfect for those looking to enjoy restaurant-quality meals, delivered to your door, and ready in under five minutes. Order from our weekly menu today, and we’ll offer you 25% off your first delivery - simply enter the code BLOG25 at checkout.
Want even more pasta perks? Subscribers receive new recipes to try each week, with free delivery and 15% off each dish. Subscribers also gain access to exclusive gifts and perks, as well as early access to Pasta Evangelists events and classes.
