Sicily is a region with ancient wine-growing traditions, dating back to the times of the Ancient Greeks and Etruscans. The region’s ampelographic heritage is therefore particularly rich. In Sicily, both indigenous grape varieties and international grape varieties are cultivated, the latter often used in blends with local grapes. Many of the island’s indigenous grape varieties have been revalued after having been at real risk of extinction and are today among Italy’s important grapes. Among these, the most famous indigenous black grape variety is Nero d’Avola, whose correct name is Calabrese, although its origins are uncertain. Its wines are characterized by intense aromas and an imposing structure. Among the white grape varieties, the most well-known is Zibibbo, the local name for Muscat of Alexandria, widespread in all the coastal countries of the southern Mediterranean, with which the sweet wines of the Island of Pantelleria are produced, today considered among the best in Italy. Among the most important indigenous white grape varieties in Sicily are Carricante, Catarratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia, also known as Insolia or Ansonica in Tuscany, and Malvasia di Lipari. Among the indigenous black grape varieties, we have Frappato, Nerello Cappuccio, and Nerello Mascalese, Perricone or Pignatello.
An important place among the main international grape varieties cultivated in Sicily belongs to Chardonnay, very adaptable to the climate, which in Sicily produces wines with a structure and aromatic profile different from those in the north but with great identity and personality. They are followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Nero, and Syrah. This is the first international grape variety by area on the island (5%), in fourth place in the overall ranking. Its great adaptability to warm climates makes it the ideal grape variety for cultivation on the island. In Sicily, other varieties widespread at the national level are also cultivated, such as Moscato Bianco, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Trebbiano Toscano.
