Not many know that Sicily has an indissoluble bond with wine . The history of Sicilian wines is in fact thousands of years old: the vine and the wheat have ancient origins . The origin of viticulture is even attributed to the Mycenaeans: some findings from eastern Sicily from the Middle Bronze Age in fact suggest a refined wine culture.
History of wine production in Sicily
In particular, the origins of the word wine could be traced back to the Mycenaean term wo-no (Greek “oinos” , Latin “vinum” ). Production, exchange and consumption of wine products found great success among the Phoenicians, as evidenced by the many discoveries of amphorae in Mozia and Lilibeo (now Marsala).
But it was with the Greeks (8th – 3rd century BC) that viticulture in Sicily became flourishing, because it was linked to rituals and symposiums, as well as to Dionysian festivals. According to the historian Diodorus Siculus, Dionysus was conceived in a cave by Zeus and Persephone in Sicily.
The tradition is still very much alive today. In fact, Sicily provides many refined and highly prized wines . The range of Sicilian wines is truly vast. But we know the region's production better.
The best Sicilian wines
Zibibbo
Zibibbo is a very fragrant wine that recalls the flavors of the Mediterranean. The one from Pantelleria is very famous and is cultivated in a very particular way in very specific areas. It is a delight that is becoming increasingly rare and precious. It is drunk cold in glasses suitable for passito wines , preferably long-stemmed, and at a temperature of 8-10°C. Zibibbo has an unmistakable bright golden yellow color, which can also have amber reflections, especially in the older versions or in the liqueur version. It goes well with shellfish, sea urchins and fish dishes, but also with cheeses .
Inzolia
Inzolia is a highly prized Sicilian white wine , as well as the oldest native Sicilian wine. From this vine we obtain a greenish yellow wine with fruity and enveloping aromas. Fresh, with a herbaceous note, soft on the palate, it expresses good balance and is widespread throughout the island, where it contributes to the composition of many white wines . Excellent to pair with pasta and fish dishes such as sea bream, swordfish, turbot, tuna and bottarga, it is drunk cold at a temperature of 8° in large sparkling wine glasses.
Nero d'Avola
Nero d'Avola is a very famous red often attributed to Calabria, but also of Sicilian origin and diffusion. Its vine is in fact 100% native Sicilian . A markedly alcoholic wine, full-bodied and with a hint of acidity, it is vinified alone or in blends with other Sicilian vines, generally Frappato di Vittoria or Nerello Mascalese . It is served at 16-18° with red and roast meats. The younger and more fragrant versions can be combined with sliced tuna .
Syrah
Syrah is a Sicilian wine with a dark red color , intense and garnet if aged. Its color is certainly unmistakable and suggestive: it almost looks like ink. With intense aromas of pepper and chocolate , blueberries, berries, currants, spices, tobacco, with a finish of liquorice, rhubarb and cocoa, it is a delicious wine. It is served in large glasses at a temperature of 16/19 °C, preferably in combination with roasts, grilled meats, spit-roasted meats, baked lamb and game .
Etna Red
Etna rosso is produced from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes coming from both young and old vineyards that do not exceed 60 quintals per hectare. Grapes of the highest quality level. After fermentation-maceration, the wine continues its life in wood until bottling, about a year after the harvest.
Etna White
White Etna is typical of the area of the province of Catania. It is a wine with a straw yellow colour, sometimes with light golden reflections, with a delicate and characteristic aroma, with a dry, fresh, harmonious flavour.
Marsala
Marsala is a fortified or fortified wine, i.e. to which brandy or alcohol, concentrated must, cooked must or mistella are added. The latter is a must with the addition of ethyl alcohol or wine brandy.
Catarratto
Catarratto is a very ancient white grape wine with great personality and character. In past centuries it was mainly used together with cricket and inzolia to produce Marsala.
Cerasuolo
Cerasuolo di Vittoria is the only one among the Sicilian DOGC wines . Red with a bright ruby colour, it has an aromatic, intense taste with fragrant aromas of cherry, small berries and pomegranate. On the palate it has a medium structure, with a dynamic, fresh and flowing sip and a pleasantly savory final note. It stands out for its elegance and freshness .
Malvasia
Malvasia delle Lipari is a wine originating from the island in the province of Messina. Golden white with amber reflections, a delicately sweet, almost honeyed flavour , Malvasia is called the "nectar of the gods". It is no coincidence that wine was exported for a long time along the Mediterranean coasts by the island's merchant fleets.
Cricket
Grillo is an indigenous white grape variety found mainly in western Sicily and in particular in the Marsalese area . It is used for the production of some DOCs in the province of Trapani. Cultivated for centuries in the Marsala area, it is of great importance in the production of the fortified wine of the same name . It has a strong vocation to become a wine with a high alcohol content, sometimes exceeding 15/16 °C and is also excellent as an aged wine .
