Sicilian Wine

 

Wine grapes have always grown on the Italian island of Sicily. Some say it was Dionysus, the god of wine, who planted them there himself. The Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, balanced rainfall, hilly terrain and soils made rich by Mount Etna’s ash all create the perfect conditions for quality agriculture. Ancient civilizations were producing wine on the island as far back as the 17th century BC. The Greeks arrived some time around 8 BC, bringing other varietals in with them. They also brought innovations such as pruning, varietal selection and low vine training. Large quantities of wine began to flow all over the island. Very, very alcoholic wine. 
 
For several centuries, the Sicilian wine industry fell into boom and bust cycles. As the Romans spread their empire, they carried wines from Sicily with them. A type of Sicilian wine called Mamertino was said to have been Julius Caesar’s favorite. In the Byzantine Age between the 6th and 9th centuries, the Read more »

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Popular wines made in Sicily under $20

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Varietals Produced in Sicily View all

  • Palomino

    History of the grape: Palomino is split into three types: Palomino Fino, Palomino de Jerez and Palomino Basto. All of...

  • Nero d'Avola

    History of the grape: The name translates to “Black [grape] of Avola,” referring to the town in Sicily where it was f...

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

    “King of the Red Wine Grapes.” The colonizer of the vineyards, pushing native wine grapes into its shadows. The Caber...

  • Chardonnay

    British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, C...

  • Syrah

    The irony here is that Syrah’s origins could give Carmen Sandiego a run for her international wallet. Syrah’s deepest...

  • Merlot

    The Occitanian word “merlot” translates to “young blackbird.” An accurate description for this popular, early-budding...

Popular Wineries in Sicily View all

  • Cantine Settesoli

    The vineyards that cover an area of 6500 hectares which are supervised by agronomists, who contro...

  • Feudi Principi Di Butera

    Il Feudo Principi di Butera si estende in provincia di Caltanissetta nelle antiche terre del F...

  • Spadafora, Azienda Agricola

    "Growing one's own grapes and turning them into wine is, by itself, a great satisfaction. When, a...

  • Feudo Montoni

    Today the estate extends for about 73 hectares in the region of Montoni Vecchi (province of Ca...

  • Cantine Sgarzi Luigi

    The family Sgarzi has been growing vines and producing wines for many generations in Castel San P...

  • Arancio Grillo

    Celebrated for its hot sunny climate, historic monuments and rich culinary tradition, Sicily h...

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Sicily on Snooth

  • The geology of the region can  impact the minerality greatly. Mt. Vesuvius ... due to volcanic activity. Sicily's Mt Etna wines the same. They don' t  need time for  root growth of great depths. The same is true of some other wine regions around the world. In alluvial soils it takes much longer to reach bedrock to gain minerality.    It is impo... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Pinot Noir Thread - Domestics...


  • The Giro d'Italia is going full throttle and is just slightly more than ... ... The race started in Sicily this year and headed South toward the toe of Italy and then West to through the heel and Puglia.The first Lucha Vino Giro d'Italia features a Washington Zinfandel taking on a Primitivo from Puglia.Next up the illustrious Foxall is making... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Return of the Giro d' Italia


  • Poggio Anima Nero d'Avola Asmodeus 2010

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by annecara


  • Cerasuolo Vittoria Classico Cos 2010

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by fwph


  • Baglio del Sole Inzolia Sicilia IGT 2011

    Snoothrank:

    $ 11 . Waxy and lightly smoky on the nose with a nice base of grapefruit, topped with floral and orange oil aromas. Simple, clean and refreshing in the mouth, this shows off light melon flavors framed with citrus and mineral accents. It's almost medium-bodied and easy to drink, with a lovely touch of astringency on the finish that refreshes the... Read More

    Wine review by BRUNOHOEPERS


  • Feudo Maccari Nero d'Avola Sicilia Saia 2005

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by alanb1108


  • Baglio del Sole Inzolia Sicilia IGT 2011

    Snoothrank:

    Waxy and lightly smoky on the nose with a nice base of grapefruit, topped with floral and orange oil aromas. Simple, clean and refreshing in the mouth, this shows off light melon flavors framed with citrus and mineral accents. It's almost medium-bodied and easy to drink, with a lovely touch of astringency on the finish that refreshes the palate.... Read More

    Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz


  • Donnafugata Mille E Una Notte Contessa Entellina DOC 2006

    Snoothrank:

    Prior to drinking the wine was decanted for roughly two hours.In the glass, the wine had had a deep, intense ruby red color. A rich bouquet composed of chocolate, eucalyptus, blackcurrant and blackberry jam. The label listed ABV was 14%. In the mouth, Mille e Una Notte is smooth, dry and warm. Mellow, silky tannins. I tasted pistachio and almond... Read More

    Wine review by vino in love


  • Corvo Nero d'Avola 2010

    Snoothrank:

    Very very harsh. I couldn't drink too much of it. Read More

    Wine review by calywa


  • Santa Anastasia Nero d'Avola 2007

    Snoothrank:

    Sensually fruity, yet not too sweet, medium-bodied, easy drinking yet resonant red wine that is an outstanding value at @$13. Read More

    Wine review by ladyjane9


  • It is beautiful a beautiful Mediterranean island, with very hospitable people, who would do everything to make you feel at home, comfortable, and...well fed! I love Sicily!

    Comment by 511253Cristina Ferrara 511253 Cristina Ferrara


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