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The Joy of Sicilian Wines

The Joy of Sicilian Wines

By: Effetto Italy  On: November 1, 2019  In: Food and Wine 


In discussing Italian wines, the regions of Piedmonte, Tuscany or Veneto may get the most mentions; their noble grapes steeped in rich history. But we would argue that some of the most delicious surprises in the vast Italian wine world are the wine of Sicily. The reds, in particular, have been delighting our taste buds for years. So bold, so yummy!

But Sicilian reds have not always been thought of so highly. Which is strange because Sicilians have been making wine since 4000 BC, as its dry, arid climate is perfectly suited for production. However, these excellent growing conditions allowed for high yield of the grapes, and Sicily eventually became a source of bulk wines for the rest of Europe.

While Marsala, a fortified wine that can range from mid-sweet to dry, helped elevate Sicily’s reputation, it wasn’t until the 1990’s that the island experienced a renaissance in the world of wine. Trailblazing new producers implemented new techniques in organic growing and renewed interest in indigenous grapes such a Nero d’Avola, Frappato, and Nerello Mascalese. Now Sicily offers some of Italy’s most interesting wines, often sold at a much more affordable price than their mainland counterparts.

If you get a chance to try some Sicilian wines, here are a few of our favorite cutting-edge producers:

COS – A natural winery located in Ragusa, all of its grapes are biodynamically grown. COS put its name on the map with its unique fermenting techniques using in-ground terracotta amphoras. It specializes in Sicily’s only DOCG wine, Cerasuolo di Vittoria.

Planeta – Known as one of Sicily’s best wineries, it produces in several areas on the island, including the Etna region.

Donna Fugata – Boasts various estates, including one more historic venue in Marsala. The owners’ family has been in the wine business for over a century.

Cusamano – A relative new winery that started in 2001, Cusamano wine is 100% estate grown.

If you see them on the menu or are lucky enough to head to Sicily, give them a taste!

Do you have a favorite Sicilian red? Tell us in the comments below!

Ciao for now,

The Effetto Italy Team

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