FINE SICILIAN WINES
5 Unique and Exclusive Reds and 5 Whites
What are the best Sicilian wines to buy?
Nero d'Avola, Carricante, Nerello Mascalese, but also Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon... Sicily offers excellent wines from Menfi to Etna, from Marsala to Syracuse.
The different Sicilian wine areas offer a range of tasting experiences truly suitable for everyone.
Sicily is a true paradise for wine lovers, where the beauty of the landscape blends with the dedication of the producers.
What are we talking about:
- Production areas of the finest wines
- The most common vines
- Native vines
- International vines
- DOCG, DOC and IGT recommended by our sommeliers
- The numbers of Sicilian wine
- 5 fine and exclusive Sicilian red wines
- 5 fine and exclusive Sicilian white wines
The production areas of the finest wines in Sicily
The Sicilian territory, predominantly hilly and mountainous, has various wine-making areas. The main ones are these:
Marsala
The Marsala area, in the western part of the island, is famous for its fortified wine made mainly with Grillo grapes, which takes its name from the city. The soils of the central and western area are predominantly sandy and very
productive: 80% of regional wine is produced in central and western Sicily.
Memphis
The Menfi area, located in the western part of the island, is famous for its elegant red and white wines, thanks to the sandy soils and Mediterranean climate which contribute to the optimal maturation of the grapes.
Etna
Etna, Sicily's imposing active volcano, is home to one of the island's most interesting grape varieties, Nerello Mascalese. The highest quality red wines are produced here
qualities, which express the strength and uniqueness of the volcanic territory. In addition to Nerello Mascalese, Carricante and Grenache are grown.
Syracuse
Syracuse, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, is renowned for its fresh and aromatic white wines, produced mainly with the Ansonica grape variety. The temperate climate and marine influence favor the production of refreshing and highly drinkable wines. The soils of the eastern area are mainly made up of red earth, rich in iron.
Pantelleria
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Pantelleria is a wine paradise. The main grape variety is Zibibbo (or Moscato di Alessandria), which finds its ideal environment in the arid hills of the island. The Zibibbo vines, cultivated according to
the ancient sapling training technique gives aromatic and sugary grapes, from which sweet and passito wines of great complexity and persistence are obtained.
119.000
Hectares of vineyards
31.000
Organic hectares
6.2 million Hl
Produced in 2021
The most common vines
Cattarratto (white berry) is the most widespread vine in Sicily and gives life to fresh and aromatic wines, ideal for accompanying fish and seafood dishes typical of Sicilian cuisine. For black grapes, the most cultivated is Nero d'Avola , an ancient variety of black grape that gives intense and full-bodied wines, rich in hints of ripe fruit and spices.
In addition to native grapes, Sicily is also a land of international vines that have found the perfect setting here such as Syrah , Cabernet Sauvignon , Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc .
Typical native vines
The native Sicilian vines are the following:
🍷 Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Frappato, Perricone, Nocera (black berry).
🥂 Catarratto, Grillo, Carricante, Damaschino, Malvasia delle Lipari, Minnella (white berry).
Traditional vines are:
🍷 Sangiovese for the black berry;
🥂 Ansonica, Zibibbo, Grecanico, Trebbiano for the white berry.
International vines
Among the international vines widespread in Sicily we find:
🍷 Syrah , Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the black berry;
🥂 Chardonnay and Viogner regarding white grapes.
Which Sicilian wines to buy? DOCG, DOC and IGT recommended by our sommeliers
Sicily boasts a wide variety of high quality wines, which may or may not fall within the most important denominations.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG is an elegant red produced in the province of Ragusa, obtained mainly from the Nero d'Avola and Frappato vines. It is characterized by a fruity aroma and a pleasant acidity.
Etna DOC is a denomination that covers the vineyards that grow on the slopes of the majestic Etna volcano. Here red and white wines of great character are produced, using native vines such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.
For those who love fortified wines, Marsala DOC is very renowned, produced in the Marsala area, in western Sicily. It is a fortified wine obtained mainly from the Grillo grape variety.
Sicilia IGT should not be underestimated, which is the widest denomination for Sicilian wines within which it is not always easy to orient yourself. It includes a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles, from fresh white wines to intense reds
and excellent desserts.
Also of great interest is Salina IGT , an indication that covers the island of Salina, in the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands. High quality wines are produced here, both white and red, using native vines such as Malvasia delle Lipari and Nero d'Avola.
1
DOCG
23
DOC
7
IGT
The numbers of Sicilian wine
Sicily is in first place in Italy for hectares of vines: 119,000 (ISTAT 2021 data).
Sicily is the main region for total organic vineyard area, with 31,000 hectares, 24% of the national total.
It produced 6.2 million hectoliters in 2021, up 6% on the previous year (ISTAT 2021 data).
Sicilian wine production is distributed in this way: 29% denomination wines (DOC and DOCG), 52% IGT; the remainder is generic wine.
5 fine and exclusive Sicilian red wines
Terre Siciliane IGT
Grapes:
For the name of the grape variety to appear on the label, it must contribute at least 85%. Grapes from berry vines of the same color, suitable for cultivation in the region, can contribute, alone or together, up to a maximum of 15%.
Refinement:
Discretionary. In winemaking, only practices aimed at giving the wines their particular characteristics are allowed
Example in photo:
Nerello Cappuccio | Custodians of the Etna Vineyards
Indicative bottle price: €28-30
Sicily DOC
Grapes:
Nero d'Avola, Frappato, Nerello mascalese and Perricone, alone or jointly, for at least 50%; other black grape varieties, suitable for cultivation in the Sicily region, may contribute
Refinement:
Vinification and aging carried out within the entire administrative territory of the Sicily Region. The Riserva version ages for at least 2 years
Example in photo:
Nero d'Avola | Disisa fiefdom
Indicative bottle price: €10.50
Terre Siciliane IGT
Grapes:
For the name of the grape variety to appear on the label, it must contribute at least 85%. Grapes from berry vines of the same color, suitable for cultivation in the region, can contribute, alone or together, up to a maximum of 15%.
Refinement:
Discretionary. In winemaking, only practices aimed at giving the wines their particular characteristics are allowed
Example in photo:
Perricone No Trix | Barbera cellars
Indicative bottle price: €16
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Grapes:
Grapes with the following proportion: from 50% to 70% of Nero d'Avola and from 30% to 50% of Frappato
Refinement:
Discretionary. Released for consumption no earlier than June 1st of the year following the harvest.
Example in photo:
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG | Minor curve
Indicative bottle price: €13-14
Terre Siciliane IGT
Grapes:
For the name of the grape variety to appear on the label, it must contribute at least 85%. Grapes from berry vines of the same color, suitable for cultivation in the region, up to a maximum of 15% can contribute, alone or together.
Refinement:
Discretionary. In winemaking, only practices aimed at giving the wines their particular characteristics are allowed
Example in photo:
Terre Siciliane IGT Nero D'Avola Ruversa | Marilina
Indicative bottle price: €20
5 fine and exclusive Sicilian white and rosé wines
Etna DOC Sparkling Wine
Grapes:
In the sparkling version, Nerello Mascalese minimum 60%. A maximum of 40% of other vines suitable for cultivation in the Sicily Region can contribute to the production
Refinement:
In the sparkling version, natural refermentation in the bottle with permanence on the yeasts for at least 18 months
Example in photo:
Etna DOC Rosè Brut | Murgo
Indicative bottle price: €24
Sicily DOC
Grapes:
In the white version: Insolia, Catarratto, Grillo, Grecanico, alone or together, for at least 50%; other white grape varieties, suitable for cultivation in the Sicily region, may contribute
Refinement:
Not unique and at the discretion of the manufacturer
Example in photo:
Sicily DOC Grillo | Disisa winery
Indicative bottle price: €12
Zibibbo
Grapes:
Zibibbo, also known as Moscato di Alessandria
Refinement:
Not unique and at the discretion of the manufacturer
Example in photo:
Ammano | Barbera cellars
Indicative bottle price: €27
Salina IGT
Grapes:
Grapes coming from vineyards composed, within the company, of one or more vines suitable for cultivation in the territory of the Sicilian Region. To indicate a grape variety on the label it must exceed 85%
Refinement:
Not unique and at the discretion of the manufacturer
Example in photo:
Salina IGT Salina Bianco Tenuta Valdichiesa | As a friend
Indicative bottle price: €12-13
Terre Siciliane IGT
Grapes:
Grapes coming from vineyards composed, within the company, of one or more vines suitable for cultivation in the Sicily region. To indicate the grape variety on the label, the grapes must be at least 85%
Refinement:
Not unique and at the discretion of the manufacturer
Example in photo:
IGT Terre Siciliane White Lapilli Murgo
Indicative bottle price: €11
Compose your box of Sicilian wines with the advice of our Sommeliers
Do you also want to discover the best bottles of Sicily?
Get advice from our Sommeliers to explore the wine treasures of Sicily in a selection designed based on your needs and tastes.
Our sommeliers, passionate and connoisseurs of the wine treasures of Sicily, will be at your disposal to guide you among the most prized and representative wines of the island. The box will be an authentic sensorial adventure, in which to explore the aromas, flavors and story behind every sip.
Whether you are an expert in the sector or a wine enthusiast looking for new experiences, our service will offer you a tailor-made selection, adapted to your desires. From full-bodied and intense red wines to fresh aromatic whites, from sweet pearls to surprising dessert wines, you will have the opportunity to create your own collection of Sicilian wines.
In addition to the quality and authenticity of niche wines, we offer a flexible service and deliver conveniently to your home.
Choose our personalized wine experience and let yourself be guided by our sommeliers towards the discovery of the most exclusive Sicilian wines. Trust our passion for wine and enjoy a unique journey into the heart of the Sicilian wine tradition.
FAQ on Sicilian Fine Wines
How to understand which Sicilian wine to buy?
Finding your way among Sicilian wines is not easy. It is essential to learn to know your own tastes when it comes to Sicilian wines, that is, what you like most and what you like least.
1. For those approaching the world of wine, the advice is to first try the great classics , that is, the wines that make the history of the region, with Nero d'Avola, Nerello Cappuccio and Mascalesse, Zibibbo in the lead.
2. At a later stage you can begin to explore lesser-known names and more unconventional interpretations.
3. Not to be missed are the mineral and volcanic wines of the Etna region. To understand volcanic wines you can read our piece, 10 simple points .
Where to buy fine Sicilian wines?
There are many ways to buy fine wines from Sicily: in a wine shop , using online e-commerce to save time, going directly to the cellar , getting advice from great sommeliers on personalized selections using the Sommelier Wine Box service.
What are the best wines of Sicily?
Sicily is very rich in wines. and finding your way between the denominations is not easy because the difference is made above all by the production methods and the quality of care in the cellar.
Sicily does not have many denominations and real pearls are also found outside the most high-sounding denominations.
The advice is above all to look for wines from small, artisanal wineries, which produce with care and respect for the environment.
What are the typical Sicilian vines?
The native Sicilian vines are Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Frappato, Perricone, Nocera for the black berry. And then Catarratto, Grillo, Carricante, Damaschino, Malvasia delle Lipari, Minnella for the white grapes.
Traditional vines, originating from elsewhere but which have found a perfect environment in Sicily, are: Sangiovese, Ansonica, Zibibbo, Grecanico, Trebbiano. In Sicily there are also various international vines: the very famous Syrah, but also Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with
Chardonnay and Viogner.
How many wineries are there in Sicily?
There are around 450 Sicilian wineries.
What are the finest wines of Sicily?
Sicily produces many wines. The most prized are those grown in the volcanic soils of Etna, therefore Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco DOC, Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mascalese, also vinified as white and sparkling.
Nero d'Avola is the prince of the region, and competes with the Terre Siciliane IGT as well as with the Sicilia DOC.
The only DOCG in the Cerasuolo di Vittoria region is of great value.
For those who love fortified wines: Marsala or Zibibbo Passito.
A pearl is the IGT Salina in the White version, which restores all the mineral soul of the island.
Which DOC and DOCG wines are there in Sicily?
In Sicily there is a wine with a controlled and guaranteed denomination, Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, and 23 DOC wines: Sicilia DOC, Alcamo DOC, County of Sclafani DOC, Contessa Entellina DOC, Delia Nivolelli DOC, Eloro DOC, Erice DOC, Etna DOC, Faro DOC, Malvasia delle Lipari DOC, Mamertino di Milazzo DOC, Marsala DOC, Menfi DOC, Monreale DOC, Noto DOC, Pantelleria DOC, Riesi DOC, Salaparuta DOC, Sambuca di Sicilia
DOC, Santa Margherita di Belice DOC, Sciacca DOC, Siracusa DOC, Vittoria DOC.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG is a dry red wine produced in the province of Ragusa, in the Sicily region of Italy. It was the first Sicilian wine to obtain the controlled and guaranteed designation of origin (DOCG) in 2005.
Furthermore, there are 7 IGTs. Avola IGT, Camarro IGT, Fontanarossa di Cerda IGT, Salemi IGT, Salina IGT, Terre Siciliane IGT, Valle Belice IGT.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG is mainly produced from two varieties of native grapes: Nero d'Avola (at least 50%) and Frappato (at least 30%). The remaining percentages may include other red grapes authorized in the region.
Produced in the province of Ragusa, Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG has an intense ruby red color with violet reflections. On the nose it offers a complex aromatic bouquet with notes of ripe red fruit, spices and flowers. On the palate it is dry,
harmonious and pleasantly tannic, with good structure and persistence.
To be regulated, it must have a minimum alcohol content of 12%.
It pairs well with various Sicilian dishes, such as roast meat, lamb, pasta with meat sauces, mature cheeses and mushroom-based dishes.
Sicily DOC:
Production territory: Sicily (the entire region).
Main vines used: Nero d'Avola, Catarratto, Grillo, Inzolia.
Sicilia DOC produces a wide range of wines, including reds, whites and
rosés. Red wines are often full-bodied and fruity, while whites are fresh and aromatic.
Alcamo DOC:
Production area: Province of Trapani.
Main vines used: Catarratto, Grillo, Inzolia for the whites; Nero d'Avola and Syrah for the reds.
The white wines of Alcamo DOC are fresh, aromatic and light, while the reds are characterized by a good body and good structure.
County of Sclafani DOC
Production area: Province of Palermo.
Main vines used: Nero d'Avola, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds; Catarratto, Chardonnay for whites.
County Sclafani DOC wines present a wide variety of styles, but in general the reds are full-bodied and structured, while the whites are fresh and aromatic.
Contessa Entellina DOC:
Production area: Province of Palermo.
Main vines used: Grillo, Catarratto, Chardonnay for the whites; Nero d'Avola, Perricone, Syrah for the reds. Contessa Entellina DOC wines range from fresh and aromatic whites to full-bodied and complex reds, with a good structure.
Delia Nivolelli DOC:
Production area: Province of Trapani.
Main vines used: Nero d'Avola, Merlot for the reds; Catarratto, Grillo for white people.
Characteristics: Delia Nivolelli DOC wines are distinguished by soft and fruity reds, with notes of ripe red fruit, and fresh and aromatic whites.
Eloro DOC:
Production area: Province of Syracuse.
Main vines used: Nero d'Avola for the reds; Grillo, Catarratto for whites.
Characteristics: Eloro DOC wines have intense and structured reds, with notes of red fruit and spices. The whites are fresh, aromatic and have good acidity.
Erice DOC:
Production area: Province of Trapani.
Main vines used: Grillo, Catarratto for the whites; Nero d'Avola, Frappato for the reds.
Characteristics: Erice DOC wines are characterized by elegant and aromatic whites, with a
good balance between acidity and softness, and light and fruity reds.
Etna DOC:
Production territory: Etna area.
Main vines used: Carricante, Catarratto for the whites; Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio for the reds.
Characteristics: Etna DOC wines have fresh and mineral whites, with notes of citrus and flowers, and elegant reds, with hints of red fruit and aromatic herbs.
Lighthouse DOC:
Production area: Province of Messina.
Main vines used: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio for the reds.
Characteristics: Faro DOC wines are complex and structured reds, with an elegant aroma and notes of red fruit, spices and Mediterranean herbs.
Malvasia delle Lipari DOC:
Production territory: Aeolian Islands.
Main vines used: Malvasia Bianca di Lipari, Malvasia delle Lipari di Salina for the whites.
Characteristics: Malvasia delle Lipari DOC wines are sweet and aromatic wines, with notes of tropical fruit, flowers and honey.