Italy

Sicily

Region

Sicily is one of the Mediterranean's oldest wine regions, with a growing reputation built on native varieties grown across volcanic and otherwise diverse soils. Its signature red is Nero d'Avola, while the island also produces the Nero d'Avola-Frappato blend Cerasuolo di Vittoria (its only DOCG), the volcanic wines of Etna, and the historic fortified wine Marsala.

Grapes grown here

Nero d'Avola Principal Cabernet Sauvignon Permitted Catarratto Permitted Chardonnay Permitted Grillo Permitted Inzolia Permitted Merlot Permitted Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains Permitted Pinot Gris Permitted Syrah Permitted Frappato Blending

Sub-regions

Etna

Etna DOC covers vineyards on the slopes of Sicily's active volcano, planted at unusually high altitudes on mineral-rich volcanic soil that gives the wines a distinctive, fresh character. Reds are dominated by the local Nerello Mascalese grape and whites center on Carricante, though our matched grape list only captures smaller supporting components.