Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean, at Italy's southern tip, dominated by Mount Etna.

Hot, dry summers; but the volcanic slopes of Etna, at altitude, offer cool nights and dramatic freshness.

Sicily, long dismissed as a source of bulk wine, has become one of Italy's most exciting regions. Its sun gives generous ripeness, while the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna - at 600-1,000m - provide cool nights that make wines of real finesse.

The famous red is Nero d'Avola, Sicily's answer to the sunny Mediterranean, and the exciting new star is Etna, where Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio produce wines often likened to fine Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir.

With excellent whites from Grillo and Carricante, and the unique fortified Marsala, Sicily now offers wonderful value and true sense of place.

Terroir & Soil

Volcanic basalt soils on Etna; clay and calcareous soils across the rest of the island.

What to Expect from the Wines

· Nero d'Avola is Sicily's great red - rich, dark, warm-climate and delicious.
· Etna's Nerello Mascalese wines are bright, structured and increasingly sought-after, with volcanic minerality.
· Grillo, Catarratto, Carricante and Inzolia make fresh, zesty whites; Marsala is the island's famous fortified wine.

Remarkable Bottles from Sicily

Etna Rosso Contrada Zottorinoto

Sicily · 2024 (representative vintage)

Etna Rosso Contrada Zottorinoto is an red wine from Italy, in the Sicily region (The largest island in the Mediterranean, at Italy's southern tip, dominated by Mount Etna.), made principally from Nerello Mascalese. A single-contrada Nerello Mascalese from Etna's volcanic slopes — smoky, fine and elegant.

$45–$80 est. retail

Sicily Nero d'Avola

Sicily · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sicily Nero d'Avola is an red wine from Italy, in the Sicily region (The largest island in the Mediterranean, at Italy's southern tip, dominated by Mount Etna.), made principally from Nero d'Avola. a house-style Sicily nero d'avola that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Sicily Nerello Mascalese

Sicily · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sicily Nerello Mascalese is an red wine from Italy, in the Sicily region (The largest island in the Mediterranean, at Italy's southern tip, dominated by Mount Etna.), made principally from Nerello Mascalese. a house-style Sicily nerello mascalese that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Sicily Nerello Cappuccio

Sicily · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sicily Nerello Cappuccio is an red wine from Italy, in the Sicily region (The largest island in the Mediterranean, at Italy's southern tip, dominated by Mount Etna.), made principally from Nerello Cappuccio. a house-style Sicily nerello cappuccio that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Sicily Catarratto

Sicily · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sicily Catarratto is an white wine from Italy, in the Sicily region (The largest island in the Mediterranean, at Italy's southern tip, dominated by Mount Etna.), made principally from Catarratto. a house-style Sicily catarratto that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Sicily Grillo

Sicily · 2024 (representative vintage)

Sicily Grillo is an white wine from Italy, in the Sicily region (The largest island in the Mediterranean, at Italy's southern tip, dominated by Mount Etna.), made principally from Grillo. a house-style Sicily grillo that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Food Pairing

· Nero d'Avola pairs with grilled lamb, aubergine dishes and rich pasta.
· Etna Rosso's freshness suits roast meats and Sicilian seafood.
· Carricante white is a wonderful match for the island's coastal seafood.

Buying from Sicily

› Etna Rosso is the hip, age-worthy star; territory matters enormously on the volcano.
› Nero d'Avola is superb value - juicy, dark-fruited and versatile with food.
› Look for fresh Carricante whites of Etna and salty Grillo from the coast.