Some great wines of Sicily

rnSicilian wines are one of the largest wine producers in the world. The climatic conditions are similar to the best vineyards in the world. It possesses warm temperature with rich soils so there are numerous vineyards. The winemakers produce famous varieties like Merlot, Chardonnay and Sangiovese. Some grapes native to this region is Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Inzolia and Catarratto. The Red grape varieties of Sicily are Nero D’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Mantellato, Perricone, Frappato, Calabrese and the more recently introduced Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz (Syrah). The famous red wines of this region are, Nero D’Avola: This grape is used for producing varietal wines which are widely cultivated in Avola, noto and pachino. It is also known as Calabrese, and it is most lovable wine by Sicilian wine makers. Etna Rosso: This wine is produced from the grape Nerello Mascalese with a 20% addition of Nerello Cappuccio. The wine regions are centred on the Mt. Etna Syrah: The climate of Sicily is well suited for Syrah wine production. It is a full bodied wine with delicious aromas of ripe cherries, plums and bitter chocolate. Cerasuolo di Vittoria: This wine is the blend of Calabrese in large, few Frappato and Grossonero or Nerello Mascalese can also be added addition to this. The white grapes of Sicily are Cataratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia, Zibibbo, Damaschino, Trebbiano, Ausonica, Moscato Bianco, Corinto Nero and the more recently introduced Chardonnay, Viognier and Fiano. The well known white wines of this region are, Bianco D’Alcamo: The wine is produced largely from the grape Cataratto and few Damaschino, Grecanico and Trebbiano are blended with it. This is a classic white wine of Sicily and comes under the Denominazione di Origine Controllata classification. Some dessert wines of this region are, Marsala: Marsala is the famous fortified winewith strong alcohol content around 20%. It is a blend of Grillo, Cataratto, Ansonia and Damaschino grapes. There are both sweet and dry types in Marsala. They are categorized as,  Fine – aging potential, minimum 1 year.  Superiore – aged for minimum 2 years.  Superiore Riserva – It can be kept in wooden barrel for 5-6 years.  Vergine – aged in wood for a minimum 5 years. Zibibbo: Zibibbo is commonly known as Muscat of Alexandria and this wine is slightly lower in alcohol compared to Marsala. The grape is dried in sun to increase the sugar concentration. Passito di Noto: This wine is prepared from the very well ripened and semi-dried grapes. It is a sweetest wine which pairs perfectly with desserts, dried fruits and mature cheeses. It is considered as straw wines as the grapes are dried on straw mats in the sun to concentrate their juice. Malvasia delle Lipari: This is a sweet wine, blended largely with Malvasia and few Corinto Nero. These wines are lighter, drier, intended for consumption with main courses, or even as an aperitif and with nearly 18% of alcohol content. It pairs well with desserts. Passito di Pantelleria: This is also a straw wine made from the Zibibbo grapes. The grapes are dried in sun to increase the sugar concentration.