Most popular wines from Sicily

What are the most popular wines from Sicily?

Sicily is an island region in southern Italy and is known for producing a variety of wines. Some of the most well-known wines from Sicily include:

1. Marsala: Fortified wine that is made from white grapes, such as Grillo or Catarratto. It is aged in oak barrels and has a rich, amber color. Marsala is often used in cooking, but it can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine.
2. Zibibbo: Sweet, aromatic wine that is made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape. It is often enjoyed as a dessert wine and has flavors of apricots, peaches, and tropical fruits.
3. Cerasuolo di Vittoria: Red wine that is produced in the region of Sicily, in southern Italy. It is made from a blend of the Nero d'Avola and Frappato grapes and has a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) classification, which is the highest quality designation for Italian wines. Cerasuolo di Vittoria wine has a ruby red color and a medium- to full-bodied flavor. It is known for its aromas of cherries, raspberries, and violets, as well as its spicy and earthy notes. It is often enjoyed with red meats, pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.
4. Nero d'Avola: Red wine that is made from the Nero d'Avola grape, which is native to Sicily. It has a full-bodied and fruity flavor, with notes of cherries, plums, and spices.
5. Etna Rosso: Red wine that is made from the Nerello Mascalese grape and grown on the slopes of Mount Etna, an active volcano in Sicily. It has a medium- to full-bodied flavor and is known for its spicy and earthy notes.
6. Grillo: White wine that is produced in the region of Sicily, in southern Italy. It is made from the Grillo grape, which is native to the island and known for its high acidity and citrus flavors. Grillo wine has a pale yellow or greenish color and is known for its aromas of green apples, pears, and tropical fruits. Grillo wine is often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with light dishes, such as seafood, salads, or grilled vegetables.

Discover the finest Sicilian wines that made it to the prestigious "Top 30 Sicily Wines" list, showcasing the region's exceptional terroir and winemaking expertise.

 

Wines from Sicily that are better with dessert

 

Marsala

Marsala is a fortified wine that is produced in the region of Marsala, on the island of Sicily in Italy. It is made from white grapes, such as Grillo or Catarratto, and aged in oak barrels. Marsala wine has a rich, amber color and a sweet, slightly fortified flavor. It is classified into four categories based on its age and quality: Oro (golden), Ambra (amber), Rubino (ruby), and Gran Selezione (the highest quality).

Marsala wine is often used in cooking, particularly in Italian and French cuisines. It is a key ingredient in dishes such as chicken marsala and veal marsala, and is also used to make tiramisu. Marsala wine can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine. It is traditionally served chilled and paired with sweets such as biscotti or pastries.

Zibibbo

Zibibbo is a sweet, aromatic wine that is produced in the region of Sicily, in southern Italy. It is made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape, which is known for its floral and fruity flavors. Zibibbo wine has a pale yellow or gold color and is known for its aromas of apricots, peaches, and tropical fruits.
Zibibbo wine is often enjoyed as a dessert wine and is traditionally served chilled. It can be paired with a variety of sweet dishes, such as pastries, fruit tarts, and gelato. It can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails or mixed with sparkling water to create a refreshing spritzer.

Passito di Pantelleria

Passito di Pantelleria is a dessert wine that is produced on the island of Pantelleria, which is located off the coast of Sicily in southern Italy. It is made from the Zibibbo grape, which is also known as the Muscat of Alexandria. The grapes are left to dry on mats or racks for several weeks or even months before being crushed and fermented to produce the wine.
Passito di Pantelleria wine has a deep amber or golden color and a sweet, luscious flavor. It is known for its aromas of dried apricots, figs, and honey, as well as its rich, full-bodied mouthfeel. It is often enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with sweet dishes, such as pastries or fruit tarts. Passito di Pantelleria wine is traditionally served chilled and is known for its high alcohol content, which can range from 15% to 18%.