Sicily | Wine region
From the southernmost point of the Italian mainland, Sicily is separated only by the narrow Strait of Messina. The region includes, in addition to the largest island of Italy and the Mediterranean, the groups of the Egadi, Aeolian, Pegali islands and Ustica and Pantelleria.
The coast, 1,039 km long, presents itself rugged in the north, almost straight in the east towards the Strait of Messina, and is interrupted only by the Gulf of Catania, in the hinterland of which opens a wide plain. Then the coast becomes rugged again, rich in bays and small peninsulas. In the south it becomes more even again, with a single indentation at Gela. About four-fifths of the island is hilly or mountainous, the rest being plains. The only real mountain range is in the north of the island. The grandiose massif of Atna rises out of the landscape near Catania, and other active volcanoes are located on the smaller islands around Sicily.
In the interior, agriculture is still extensive and is largely organized as large estates. Here one finds the cultivation of cereals. On the coastal strips, citrus plantations are lined up. Sicily also plays an important role in olive growing. Viticulture has its main centers in the western part of the island, although the areas around Etna, Vittoria and Agrigento, for example, are also gradually becoming better known. Sicily, together with Puglia, is at the top of the Italian wine-growing regions in terms of quantity. But also qualitatively an enormous development has taken place in the last years through a systematic research of the native grape varieties such as Inzolia, Grillo, Cattarratto, Grecanico for the white grapes and Nerello Mascalese, Periccone etc. for the red varieties. The production areas for wines with indication of origin have been extended in the course of the reorganization by the law and so the proportion of quality wines has also grown steadily. The most famous wine of the island, besides the Nero d'Avola, is undoubtedly the Marsala, which is equally suitable as an aperitif and as a dessert wine. - Gerardo [TS01/23]
"From above, Sicily presents itself like a huge vineyard. It is no accident that when the ancient Greeks came to southern Italy, they conceived the name Enotria, translated as 'land of wine'.'" - Gambero Rosso
Classic: Etna Classic: Nero d'Avola Classic: Grillo
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La Fuga · Chardonnay C.E. DOC 2023Donnafugata, Sicily
La Fuga, an elegant Chardonnay from Sicily, seduces in the glass with an intense bouquet dominated by tropical fruits such as pineapple and banana. These aromas reflect the warm, southern sun and immediately convey a feeling of summer.
€ 15,95 = 21,27 €/L
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Contesa dei Venti · Vittoria Nero d'Avola DOC 2020Donnafugata, Sicily
With the first vintage of Contesa dei Venti, Donnafugata presents an outstanding, single-varietal Nero d'Avola from Vittoria that fully expresses the elegant complexity of this Sicilian grape variety. The bouquet opens with beguiling floral notes of lavender and violets, accompanied by aromas of red fruit. Subtle spicy nuances of Mediterranean herbs and balsamic hints are added harmoniously and give the wine a fascinating...
€ 16,95 = 22,60 €/L
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Alta Mora · Etna Rosato DOC 2023Cusumano, Sicily
The Etna Rosato Alta Mora is a charming rosé wine that grows on a small vineyard of just one hectare in the Contrada Solicchiata - at an impressive 750 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Etna. This special location gives it an extraordinary freshness and elegance. Its delicate salmon pink color in the glass already hints at its fine style. The nose reveals a fragrant bouquet of fresh red berries, juicy cherries and a hint of rose petals, reminiscent of alpine flower...
€ 17,50 € 16,99 = 22,65 €/L
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Alta Mora · Etna Bianco DOC 2023Cusumano, Sicily
The Etna Bianco Alta Mora from Cusumano is an expressive white wine that impressively captures the essence of the Sicilian volcanic region. The Carricante grapes come from high-altitude, selected vineyards - including Contrada Praino near Milo and Verzella, Pietramarina and Arrigo near Castiglione di Sicilia. The wine is a bright deep yellow in the glass. The bouquet is elegant and complex with aromas of Granny Smith apple, red grapefruit, lemon blossom and a subtle herbal note reminiscent of fresh...
€ 17,50 = 23,33 €/L
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Alta Mora · Etna Rosso DOC 2021Cusumano, Sicily
The Etna Rosso Alta Mora is a multi-layered, terroir-driven red wine that comes from the characterful Verzella, Pietramarina, Feudo di Mezzo and Solicchiata vineyards - all high-altitude vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, covering a total of just twelve hectares. The Nerello Mascalese grapes thrive here on volcanic soil, which gives the wine its special expressiveness. It has an intense carmine red color in the glass. The nose delights with delicate aromas of raspberries, fine herbs and subtle...
€ 17,95 = 23,93 €/L
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Dorilli · Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2023 (Bio)Planeta, Sicily
This expressive red wine from the Vittoria region combines the strength of 70% Nero d’Avola with the aromatic finesse of 30% Frappato. Following a twelve-day maceration and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, it gains its final polish through twelve months of aging in used 500-liter tonneaux. In the glass, it displays a bright ruby red with violet reflections and reveals a complex bouquet reminiscent of ripe cherries, strawberries, and sour cherry jam, underpinned by deep notes of chestnut honey...
€ 17,95 = 23,93 €/L
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Mamertino · DOC Sicilia 2020Planeta, Sicily
The meticulous production of this wine begins with a manual harvest into small 14 kg crates, followed by careful selection on the sorting table and destemming. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks with seven days of skin contact at 25°C, supported by repeated pump-overs to ensure optimal extraction, before the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in steel. The final refinement is achieved through twelve months of aging in large 35 hl oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop structure while...
€ 17,95 = 23,93 €/L
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Alta Mora · Etna Rosso DOC 2023Cusumano, Sicily
The Etna Rosso Alta Mora is a multi-layered, terroir-driven red wine that comes from the characterful Verzella, Pietramarina, Feudo di Mezzo and Solicchiata vineyards - all high-altitude vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, covering a total of just twelve hectares. The Nerello Mascalese grapes thrive here on volcanic soil, which gives the wine its special expressiveness. It has an intense carmine red color in the glass. The nose delights with delicate aromas of raspberries, fine herbs and subtle...
€ 18,50 = 24,67 €/L
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Mofete Rosso · Etna Rosso DOC 2021Palmento Costanzo, Sicily
The Etna Rosso Mofete from Palmento Costanzo has an elegant, light ruby red color and exudes a multi-layered bouquet. Fresh red fruits such as raspberries and sour cherries are in the foreground, accompanied by a fine spiciness and subtle notes of volcanic ash. This unique mineral character is typical of Etna's soils and gives the wine a special finesse and...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
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Contrada Taccione · Etna Bianco DOC 2023 (Bio)Planeta, Sicily
The Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione has a straw-yellow color with light green reflections. The nose initially reveals fresh apple notes, which are typical of wines from high altitudes, accompanied by easily recognizable mineral nuances reminiscent of mint and underlining the wine's volcanic...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
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Etna Rosso DOC 2022Planeta, Sicily
The Etna Rosso presents itself in the glass in a clear, bright ruby red and already gives a hint of its elegance. A fine, multi-layered bouquet of preserved red berries, delicate rose petals and subtle hints of oriental spices unfolds on the nose. This aromatic diversity gives the wine depth and refers to its volcanic origins on the slopes of Mount...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
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Burdese · Sicilia Menfi Rosso DOC 2019Planeta, Sicily
Burdese is an impressive cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc - a tribute to the great Bordeaux wines, interpreted with the power and sun of Sicily. In the glass, it is a dense, concentrated ruby red, while the complex bouquet reveals aromas of ripe red fruit, sour cherries, cocoa and a fine mineral...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
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Eruzione 1614 · Nerello Mascalese DOC 2019Planeta, Sicily
A wine full of character that impressively reflects the uniqueness of the Etna terroir. It has a bright ruby red color in the glass. The bouquet seduces with elegant aromas of preserved red berries, delicate rose petals and a hint of oriental spices, hinting at a fascinating...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
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Mofete Rosato · Etna Rosato DOC 2023Palmento Costanzo, Sicily
The Etna Rosato Mofete from Palmento Costanzo has a delicate, brilliant rosé hue and an elegant bouquet on the nose. Fine aromas of wild strawberries and violets are combined with subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and sage. This multi-layered composition of aromas reflects the wine's volcanic origins and gives it a special...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
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Mofete Bianco · Etna Bianco DOC 2023Palmento Costanzo, Sicily
The Etna Bianco Mofete from Palmento Costanzo has a straw-yellow color of medium intensity and a fascinating aroma. Lively citrus notes unfold on the nose, accompanied by a fine mineral character reminiscent of the volcanic origin of the soil. Nuances of Mediterranean herbs and a hint of white peach lend additional depth and elegance to the...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
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Sito dell'Ulmo · Merlot Sicilia Menfi DOC 2020Planeta, Sicily
The Sito del Ulmo Merlot presents itself in an intense ruby red with bright red reflections. A seductive bouquet of blackcurrants, ripe plums and delicate notes of candied violets unfolds on the nose. This aromatic diversity gives the wine a sensual depth and an elegant first...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
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Jalé · Chardonnay Sicilia DOC 2023Cusumano, Sicily
The Jalé Chardonnay Sicilia is a powerful white wine matured in barriques that impressively reflects the potential of the Sicilian terroir. Its intense straw yellow color already announces its depth, which is revealed on the nose with aromas of ripe yellow fruit, dried apricots and a subtle hazelnut note. A fine buttery note and hints of vanilla and roasted aromas from the wooden barrel lend the bouquet additional complexity and...
€ 20,95 = 27,93 €/L
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Contrada Taccione · Etna Bianco DOC 2024 (Bio)Planeta, Sicily
The Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione has a straw-yellow color with light green reflections. The nose initially reveals fresh apple notes, which are typical of wines from high altitudes, accompanied by easily recognizable mineral nuances reminiscent of mint and underlining the wine's volcanic...
€ 20,95 = 27,93 €/L
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Burdese · Sicilia Menfi Rosso DOC 2021Planeta, Sicily
Burdese is an impressive cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc - a tribute to the great Bordeaux wines, interpreted with the power and sun of Sicily. In the glass, it is a dense, concentrated ruby red, while the complex bouquet reveals aromas of ripe red fruit, sour cherries, cocoa and a fine mineral...
€ 20,95 = 27,93 €/L
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Maroccoli · Syrah Sicilia Menfi DOC 2021Planeta, Sicily
The Maroccoli is a pure Syrah from Sicily that fascinates in the glass with an intense ruby red color and violet reflections. Its complex bouquet reveals enticing aromas of cassis, roasted coffee beans, black pepper and cloves, giving the wine a deep, spicy...
€ 20,95 = 27,93 €/L
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Sul Vulcano · Etna Bianco DOC 2022Donnafugata, Sicily
Donnafugata's Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano captures the unique essence of the volcano and the Sicilian landscape. Made from Carricante grapes, which thrive on the mineral-rich soils of Mount Etna, the wine is a brilliant straw yellow in the glass. The bouquet seduces with aromas of aromatic herbs, citrus fruits and subtle flint notes that perfectly reflect the origin of the...
€ 21,95 = 29,27 €/L
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Sul Vulcano · Etna Rosso DOC 2020Donnafugata, Sicily
The Etna Rosso Sul Vulcano impresses in the glass with its bright ruby red color and a delicate bouquet that seduces the senses with aromas of wild berries, wild flowers and spicy nuances of cinnamon and nutmeg. This aroma is complex yet elegant and conveys the power and freshness of Etna right from the nose. The floral and fruity notes are perfectly rounded off by subtle hints of...
€ 21,95 = 29,27 €/L
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Salealto · Terre Siciliano Bianco IGT 2020Cusumano, Sicily
Salealto is an exceptional cuvée made from the Sicilian grape varieties Insolia, Zibibbo and Grillo - a white wine that perfectly reflects the diversity and expressiveness of the island. In the glass, it shimmers in an intense straw yellow and opens up a multi-layered bouquet with aromas of ripe yellow fruit, floral nuances and a hint of exotic spices, hinting at a deep sensory...
€ 22,95 = 30,60 €/L
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Kabir · Moscato di Pantelleria DOC 2024Donnafugata, Sicily
Kabir, a Moscato di Pantelleria made from the Zibibbo grape variety, comes from the sun-drenched island of Pantelleria in south-eastern Sicily. It shines bright straw yellow in the glass and develops an intense bouquet reminiscent of tropical fruits such as passion fruit, complemented by delicate floral notes of orange blossom. This aromatic richness is also reflected on the palate and is balanced by a fresh, mineral vein that lends the wine's natural sweetness an elegant...
€ 23,95 = 31,93 €/L
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Faro · DOC 2018Palari, Sicily
The Faro from Palari presents itself in the glass with a bright ruby red color that visually announces the intensity and maturity of the wine. The nose reveals a fresh yet complex bouquet, in which spicy nuances of cinnamon and black pepper harmoniously intertwine with fruity notes of blueberries and ripe cherries. Subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs and a touch of vanilla lend the wine additional depth and...
€ 54,95 = 73,27 €/L
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Didacus · Chardonnay Sicilia Menfi DOC 2022 (6er Original Holzkiste)Planeta, Sicily
Didacus Chardonnay is a symbol of elegance, tradition and the visionary work of the Planeta family. It comes from the Contrada Ulmo, a plot planted in 1985, and reflects the history of Chardonnay in Sicily - a grape variety whose success on the island was largely shaped by Diego Planeta. With its golden color in the glass and refined aromatic depth, this wine perfectly expresses the magic of Menfi, the “Bolgheri of the South”. Notes of yellow apples, peach, almond extract and vanilla custard mingle...
€ 455,00 = 101,11 €/L
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Classic: Etna Classic: Nero d'Avola Classic: Grillo
Sicily | Wine region | Buy at Gerardo
Sicily is the largest island in Italy and has a long and rich history in viticulture. The island has ideal conditions for growing grapes, with warm and sunny climate and volcanic soils that give the wine a unique mineral note. Sicily is known for its autochthonous grape varieties such as Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese and Inzolia. Nero d'Avola is the most widely planted variety on the island and is produced in many different regions. Nerello Mascalese and Inzolia are old varieties grown mainly in the Etna and Alcamo regions.
The wine producing areas in Sicily are divided into the regions of the west coast, the center of the island and the southeast. The west coast and center island regions are known for their wines made from the Nero d'Avola variety and the southeast region is known for its wines made from the Nerello Mascalese and Inzolia varieties. In recent years, viticulture in Sicily has developed greatly and many winemakers rely on modern technologies and methods to make their wines even better. For example, they use modern cellar technology and age their wines longer to achieve more depth and complexity. There are also more and more winemakers who specialize in organic and sustainable farming.
Some winemakers in Sicily have also begun to grow international grape varieties such as Syrah and Chardonnay to diversify their offerings and meet the tastes of different customers. Overall, viticulture in Sicily has developed impressively in recent years and the island has established itself as one of the most interesting and promising wine-growing areas in Italy. The variety of autochthonous grape varieties and the combination of traditional and modern techniques make the wines from Sicily special and unique. - Gerardo [TS01/23]