Sicily is the biggest Island in the Mediterranean Sea. The island consist of hills (64%), mountains (24%) and plains. The highest mountain, found in the east side of the island, the Etna volcanic massif reaches 3 340 meters above sea level. The west-central area of Sicily is characterized by a picturesque hilly landscape with equally beautiful shores. The vinegrowing areas of Sicily are concentrated mainly in the west, in the provinces of Trapani and Palermo, in the south in the surroundings of Ragusa, Agrigento and Siracusi, and in the east around Etna. There are 23 DOC appellations and one DOCG, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a red wine made of Nero di Avola and Frappato.
The history of Sicilian wine, stretching back thousands years, is like the history of this part of Italy, complicated and unstable. In the Middle Ages Sicilian wine was sent to Rome, Tuscany and Liguria, while in the XIX century was willingly bought by the French, then sold by them in the entire Europe. From its beginnings Sicily has been among top wine regions in Italy, with the year production of a few millions of hectoliters. These were mainly vini da taglio
, blends with other wines or wines for distillation. However, over the last few years the quality of Sicilian wine has been significantly improved. The production methods were modernized, also new international grape varieties were introduced, moreover the local grapes are enjoying a revival, improving quality values. Sicily‘s native grapes are again appreciated and propagated - Grillo, Catarratto, Carricante, Inzolia are delicate and crisp white wines, Nero di Avola, Frappato, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio are red varieties that depending on the zone give unique wines.
When defining Sicily‘s wine it can be said that the wine from the foothills of Etna is delicate, that from Trapani and Palermo is stronger, that from Ragusa is full bodied, and Marsala is a unique liquor wine, the recipe of which was invented in the XVIII century. Equally famous are sweet wines, Zibibbo or Moscato diPantelleria and Malvasia delle Lipari.
The sunny Sicily with clear waters is a perfect holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. Excellent cuisine based mainly on fish and seafood, and also many regional products, among which olive oil, capers, figs, tomatoes, oranges, pistachios, cheeses and many others taste best with the local wine. It is a real enjoyment to drink a glass of chilled white wine on a terrace with the view on the sea and bougainvilleas.