Sicilia DOC

Sicilia DOC is one of the most important and representative appellations in the Italian wine scene. Established in 2011, this DOC covers the whole of Sicily and includes a wide range of white, rosé and red wines, made both from native grape varieties, such as Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto and Frappato, and from international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Characteristics of Sicilia DOC

Colour

  • Whites: Straw yellow with greenish or golden highlights.
  • Rosés: Tones of pale pink or coral.
  • Reds: Intense ruby red, with garnet shades in the aged wines.

Aromas

  • Fruity: Notes of citrus, peach, apricot, cherry and berries.
  • Floral: Hints of white flowers, orange blossom, violet.
  • Spicy: Hints of black pepper, tobacco, liquorice and Mediterranean spices.
  • Mineral: Saline and volcanic nuances, especially in wines from coastal areas and from Etna.

Palate

  • Fresh and savoury: In the whites and rosés, with a pleasant acidity.
  • Structured and harmonious: In the reds, with velvety tannins and great length.

Production Areas

The Sicilia DOC  covers the whole island, with some areas particularly suited to it:

The west (Trapani, Palermo, Agrigento)

  • Grillo, Catarratto, Zibibbo.
  • Nero d'Avola, Perricone.

East (Siracusa, Ragusa, Catania)

  • Nero d’Avola, Frappato.
  • The Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG blend.

Etna Area

  • Carricante, Catarratto (fresh, mineral whites).
  • Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio (elegant, long-lived reds).

Grape Varieties Used

Native Grape Varieties

  • Nero d’Avola: Structured and long-lived, the symbol of Sicilian winegrowing.
  • Grillo: Aromatic and savoury, perfect for fresh or aged white wines.
  • Frappato: Elegant and fruity, the star of Cerasuolo di Vittoria.
  • Zibibbo: The base for the famous Sicilian sweet wines.

International Grape Varieties

  • Chardonnay: Great expressiveness in Sicilian soils.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: Used for complex, long-lived reds.

Food Pairings

White Wines

  • Fish: Fish couscous, Mazara red prawns.
  • First Courses: Pasta con le sarde, busiate with pesto trapanese.

Rosé Wines

  • Vegetarian Dishes: Sicilian caponata, panelle.
  • Pizza and street food: Arancine, sfincione.

Red Wines

  • Red Meat: Chargrilled lamb, Sicilian sausage.
  • Aged Cheeses: Pecorino siciliano DOP.

Why Choose Sicilia DOC?

The Sicilia DOC offers authentic, expressive and versatile wines, able to tell the story, the terroir and the tradition of the island. From fresh whites to intense reds, it is a perfect appellation for discovering the greatness of Sicilian viticulture.

Sicilia DOC: My personal podium

  • 1
    Guardalòmu 2024 - Candido

    Guardalòmu 2024 - Candido

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Camporeale, Italy, Sicily
    Discover this wine
  • 2
    Sicilia Nero d’Avola DOC “Sherazade” 2020 - Donnafugata

    Sicilia Nero d’Avola DOC “Sherazade” 2020 - Donnafugata

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Italy, Sicily, province of Trapani
    Discover this wine
  • 3
    Sicilia Merlot Nero d’Avola DOC “Ramione” 2019 2019 - Baglio di Pianetto

    Sicilia Merlot Nero d’Avola DOC “Ramione” 2019 2019 - Baglio di Pianetto

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Italy, Noto-Santa Cristina Gela, Sicily
    Discover this wine

All those I have tried