Provinces: Palermo, Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania,
Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa, Trapani
Sicily ranks as the largest island of the Mediterranean
and the largest region of Italy, as well as the nation’s
most prolific producer of wine.
Previously renowned for
the rich, golden Marsala, invented by an Englishman in
the late 18th century, Sicily today is the source of
modern wines of premium quality: red, white and rosé.
Many qualify under the region’s 17 denominations,
yet only a small percentage of Sicily’s wines are
classified as D.O.C. One reason is that some of its finest
wines are produced by large houses that vinify grapes
from various zones.
It is often said that Sicily’s wines over all are the most reliable of
Italy’s south, even if it is recognized that the potential for greatness
has scarcely been tapped. Marsala, the fortified wine that once seemed destined
to be forgotten, has been restored to its old splendour.
On a smaller scale,
the return of Moscato di Pantelleria and Malvasia delle
Lipari has renewed interest in traditional sweet wines.
Recent investments in vineyards and cellars of Sicily
by northern Italian firms points to a bright future for
this island in the sun.
Useful contacts:
Istituto della Vite e del Vino - Via della Liberta',
66 - 90143 Palermo Tel. 0039 091 627 8111 - Fax 0039
091 347 870 - e-mail: vitevino@pn.itnet.it - http://www.infcom.it/rvv
Movimento del Turismo del Vino - http://www.wineday.org |
