Sicily

Wines of Sicily

A sunny island with diverse terroirs

Sicily—or Sicilia in Italian—is much more than a dream destination: it is a veritable wine-growing continent. Between the sea breezes, the volcanic soils of Etna, the clay-limestone hills of the south, and Mediterranean influences, each bottle tells a story.

Here, Sicilian wines seduce with their intensity, freshness, and authenticity. The terroir is a force of nature, where producers blend tradition and innovation.

A thousand-year-old tradition between sea and fire

Viticulture in Sicily dates back more than 3,000 years. From the Greeks to the Arabs, each civilization has left its mark on these wine-growing lands. Even today, winemakers continue to pass down their expertise from generation to generation, while embracing organic and sustainable viticulture.

Estates such as Terre Nere have promoted small plots based on the Burgundy model and magnify the indigenous grape varieties in harmony with their terroir. Others, such as Santa Maria de la Nave, have restored a historic vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna. These producers combine respect for the soil with a contemporary approach, promoting the ampelographic heritage while exploring modern blends.

The main types of Sicilian wines

Sicilian reds

Sicilian red wines are distinguished by their assertive character. Nero d'Avola produces richly colored wines with notes of ripe fruit, black cherry, and sweet spices. Alongside it, Frappato brings lightness and freshness, often used in blends from the southeast.

Further north, on the slopes of Mount Etna, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio produce high-altitude reds that are taut and mineral, sometimes compared to Burgundy Pinot Noirs. Wines from plots such as Calderara Sottana and Feudo di Mezzo have become cult favorites among wine lovers—and you'll find them at Tenuta Terre Nere.

Sicilian whites and bianco

Sicilian white wines seduce with their unexpected freshness. On Mount Etna, Carricante reigns supreme, producing straightforward, taut, almost salty wines that beautifully express the minerality of the volcano.

In other areas, the Grecanico, Grillo, Catarratto, and Inzolia grape varieties produce more sunny whites with aromas of exotic fruits, almonds, and citrus.

Rosés and sweet wines for information

Sicilian rosés, often made from Nero d'Avola or Frappato, are fruity and delicate, perfect for summer aperitifs.

Finally, Sicily maintains an ancient tradition of sweet and fortified wines, inherited from Marsala and the passerillés of the south of the island. These rich, amber-colored wines are the perfect accompaniment to mature cheeses or desserts made with dried fruit.

Sicily's must-see wine regions

Sicily has a multitude of appellations (DOC and IGT) reflecting the diversity of its soils and microclimates. Among the most emblematic are:

Etna DOC – Volcanic red and white wines, produced on the slopes of the volcano.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG – The jewel of the southeast, the island's only DOCG, blending Nero d'Avola and Frappato.
Terre Siciliane IGT – A broader appellation, offering freedom and creativity to winemakers.
Sicilia DOC – The most widespread appellation, encompassing a variety of styles, from structured reds to fresh whites.

Each area produces distinct wines: Calderara, Sottana, Feudo, Almerita, Contrada Guardiola... names that evoke the Sicilian lands shaped by lava, wind, and sun.

How to choose a Sicilian wine according to your tastes

If you like powerful wines, opt for a Nero d'Avola from the south, which is full-bodied and generous.

If you prefer finesse and minerality, let yourself be tempted by a red from Etna made from Nerello Mascalese.

Lovers of fresh whites will appreciate a Carricante or a Grecanico, perfect with seafood or Mediterranean dishes.

Sicily, between authenticity and modernity

Sicilian wines have long been underestimated. Today, they rival the great wines of the peninsula. The richness of the soil, the altitude, the diversity of grape varieties, and the passion of the winemakers make this island an exceptional terroir.

On cavesa.ch, explore this mosaic of tastes and textures: red wines with assertive personalities, fresh and expressive bianco wines, and unique high-altitude vintages.

And if you want to extend your journey through the Italian vineyards, let yourself be inspired by other regions such as Campania, Basilicata, or Sardinia.