SICILY – THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF SOUTHERN ITALY

Lovingly referred to as the “grape-growing continent,” Sicily (Sicilia) proudly stands among Italy’s top five wine-producing regions and is home to one of the most dynamic wine industries in Europe. This enchanting island holds many fascinating secrets that you may not yet know. Join InWine as we uncover the captivating wine region of Sicily:
1/ HISTORY
Sicily is one of the earliest birthplaces of wine, with winemaking dating back to 4,000 BCE, making it an integral part of life on the island. However, it was the Greeks, who arrived around the 8th century BCE, that introduced advanced viticulture techniques and new grape varieties, shaping Sicilian wine into the diverse and culturally rich industry it is today.
2/ GEOGRAPHY
As the largest island in Southern Italy, Sicily lies at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, once serving as a crossroads for ancient civilizations. Covering an area of 25,711 km2 with a coastline stretching approximately 1,484 km, the island’s nearly triangular shape has often been likened to a miniature version of Italy.
3/ TERROIR & CLIMATE
  • Climate: Sicily has a warm Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine and moderate rainfall. These conditions help limit the growth of fungi, allowing the grapes to develop rich flavors and high acidity, resulting in well-structured wines.

  • Terroir: The island's soils are highly diverse, including volcanic soil, sand, limestone, clay, and alluvial deposits. This variety contributes to the complexity and distinct character of Sicilian wines.

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4/ GRAPE VARIETIES
With 98,000 hectares of vineyards divided into 23 subregions, Sicily is home to over 65 indigenous grape varieties, with white grapes dominating the landscape.
  • White Grapes: Accounting for two-thirds of the island’s vineyards, Sicily’s most prominent white grape varieties include Catarratto Bianco Comune, Inzolia, and Grillo, which are highly favored. Additionally, Grecanico and Zibibbo (Muscat) are also widely cultivated. Sicilian white wines are known for their distinct minerality and well-balanced acidity.

  • Red Grapes: The region is primarily defined by three key red grape varieties: Nero d'Avola, Frappato, and Nerello Mascalese. Among them, Nero d'Avola is the most widely planted and famous Sicilian red grape, while Nerello Mascalese, a prestigious variety, thrives in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Meanwhile, Frappato is commonly used in blends.

5/ WINE REGIONS
Wineries in Sicily are scattered throughout the island, with the highest concentrations in the west, southeast, and around Mount Etna. Currently, Sicily is home to 453 wine producers, boasting 1 DOCG, 23 DOCs, and 7 IGPs.
The island’s only DOCG, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, is located in the southern region and is a distinctive red wine crafted from a blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato grapes.
With its rich winemaking heritage, Sicily is undoubtedly a cradle of Italy’s finest wines. For wine enthusiasts, missing out on Sicily’s premium wines would be a true regret. Discover and savor the best of Sicilian wines at InWine contact us for expert recommendations!
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