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Located south, at the toe of the Italian "boot", the island of Sicily
offers breathtaking landscapes that make you want to pack your bags, pronto.
If its beaches are the source of thousands of dreamy pics, Sicily promises much more than divine swimming in clear waters. Volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands, Valley of the Temples, picturesque stone villages; its regions will make travelers' sporting, cultural and food dreams come true. A forever culinary paradise, it is also one of the oldest vineyards in the world. And what sets Sicilian viticulture apart is its wide variety of native grape varieties that have adapted to the different soils and regions of the island, thus allowing the variations of time and terroir to be expressed with candor and precision.
GRILLO, LUCIDO, NERO, FRAPPATO
Well aware of the quality potential of its vineyards and wishing to affirm its recognition, Sicily established a controlled designation of origin “Sicilia DOC” in 2011, the equivalent of the French AOC (AOP). In doing so, a guarantee in the rigor of production came to supervise and support the best wine productions of the island. And what better way to make local grape varieties shine! Even if the island is also an excellent home to international grape varieties (like Chardonnay and Syrah, mostly), you really must get to know the original varieties.
GRILLO
Grillo is the favourite indeginous grape for the production of Marsala, the famous Sicilian fortified wine. Since the 90s, it has been vinified as a dry wine to create cuvées offering undeniable freshness and fruitiness that will please all palates. To try as an aperitif, if not done.
LUCIDO (CATARRATTO)
Lucido, also known as Catarratto, is capable of refreshing and mineral cuvées and can surprise us with incredible depth and density in the hands of renowned producers.
NERO D'AVOLA
This native black grape, as its name suggests, is considered the king grape variety in Sicily. Originally from the south near the town of Avola, it is now found in different regions of the island. It is capable of producing wines that are both mouth-filling and suitable for ageing. In its youth, Nero d'Avola reveals a fruity, spicy and delicately floral bouquet that will seduce the most demanding palates.
FRAPPATO
Frappato is a native variety that is scarcely planted but whose reputation has exploded in recent years with the craze for more easy-drinking wines. Its thin-skinned grapes produce wines with a light colour, not very tannic but often very aromatic. Fiery and offering a maximum of fruit, this variety will appeal to lovers of juicy wines not made up by wood.
Did you know?
Sicily only has one DOCG appellation: Cerasuolo di Vittoria. The grape composition authorised is a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato.
A unique environment conducive to organic farming
Sicily enjoys a mild climate which greatly reduces the pressure of many diseases on the vine. The generously sunny days, as well as an environment well dried by the winds, such as the Sirocco coming from Africa, mean that treatments are much less necessary to ensure a healthy and green crop.
It also experiences significant seismic activity because of its position straddling the Eurasian and African geological plates. This is what explains its hilly, sometimes downright mountainous terrain, ideal albeit challenging for growing vines. Etna, located in its north-eastern part, is also said to be the largest active volcano in Europe.
The first Italian region dedicated to organic farming, Sicily has set up a vine "police" by creating the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Sicilia DOC, a consortium responsible for the conservation and promotion of the island's wine heritage. Old and young winegrowers offer high quality wines from original grape varieties that respect, and above all, beautifully reveal their terroir of origin. The vine has never needed the hand of man to grow and the Sicilians quickly understood that by taking care of the land and letting it express itself, the fruits will reward them.
Wines of Sicily to discover
When the time comes to draw inspiration from the gastronomy of a country for an aperitif or dinner, it's hard to find more tempting than Italy. Plan your next meal around any of these fine cuvées.
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You love wines of Sicily above all? Share your comments in your favourite wines' detailed information. You could inspire other customers to fall for the region's charms.
In collaboration with Wines of Sicilia DOC - Campaign financed according to EU Reg. No. 1308/13.
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