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Sicily

Italy

About Sicily

Italy's largest island and one of its most dynamic wine regions. The revolution centers on Mount Etna, where Nerello Mascalese grown on volcanic soils at high altitude produces ethereal, Burgundy-like reds with remarkable perfume and transparency. Western Sicily remains the volume heartland, with Nero d'Avola producing rich, sun-drenched reds and Grillo making fresh, characterful whites. Frappato, from the southeast (especially Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG), is a light, fragrant, cherry-scented red ideal for warm weather. The island also produces Marsala, one of Italy's great fortified wines. From Pantelleria's wind-swept Zibibbo to Etna's snow-capped slopes, Sicily's diversity is extraordinary.

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005
Red

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Outstanding Sicily Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2022

Ready
Excellent

Very good wines with concentration and freshness, especially on Etna.

2025Peak 2028–20352038

2021

Ready
Excellent

Excellent on Etna with elegance and precision from Nerello Mascalese.

2024Peak 2028–20352038

2020

Ready
Excellent

Very good balance across styles, both Etna and Nero d'Avola shine.

2023Peak 2027–20332036

2019

At peak
Excellent

Excellent freshness and aromatic complexity, a fine Etna vintage.

2022Peak 2026–20322035

2016

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage, especially Etna Rosso with exceptional purity and depth.

2019Peak 2024–20342038

2015

At peak
Excellent

Very good vintage with ripe, generous fruit and firm structure.

2018Peak 2022–20302034

2013

At peak
Excellent

Excellent Etna vintage with bright fruit and refined tannins.

2016Peak 2020–20282030

2010

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage with remarkable balance, one of Sicily's finest.

2013Peak 2018–20282032

2009

Drink now
Excellent

Very good wines with generous fruit and smooth tannins.

2012Peak 2016–20242028

2007

Past window
Excellent

Very good reds with dark fruit and supple texture.

2010Peak 2014–20222025

DOC & DOCG

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Terroir & Character

Climate

dry

Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Coastal areas stay warm while higher elevations like Mount Etna enjoy significant diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity and elegance in the wines.

Terroir

volcanic soilsdiverse soilsclaylimestone

Incredibly diverse, from the black volcanic soils and pumice of Mount Etna to limestone and clay in western Sicily. Coastal vineyards benefit from sea breezes, while high-altitude sites offer cooler temperatures and extended growing seasons.

Typical Aromas

volcanic mineralitydried herbssun-dried tomatoMediterranean scrublandsalted capersorange zest
Explore the aroma wheel

Classification System

Sicily’s wine classification has evolved rapidly, with Etna and Cerasuolo di Vittoria leading the quality revolution. The island’s IGT Terre Siciliane is one of Italy’s most important, used by many top producers.

DOCG

Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the island’s only DOCG

DOC

Etna, Marsala, Faro, Noto, Contea di Sclafani, Vittoria

IGT

Terre Siciliane, used by many premium producers for flexibility

Grapes of Sicily

Frappato

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberrycherryroseherbs

Light, fragrant cherry-scented red from the southeast

Nerello Mascalese

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
red cherryblood orangeroseherbs

Etna's ethereal red, often compared to Pinot Noir

Nero d'Avola

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
dark cherryplumblackberryblack pepper

The island's signature red, rich and sun-drenched

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sicily wine special?▼
Sicily's revolution centers around Mount Etna, where Nerello Mascalese grown on volcanic soils at high altitude creates ethereal, Burgundy-like reds with incredible perfume and transparency. The volcanic terroir gives these wines a unique mineral character you can't find anywhere else. It's Italy's largest island and one of its most dynamic wine regions right now.
What are the best Sicily vintages?▼
2016 stands out as an outstanding vintage, especially for Etna Rosso with exceptional purity and depth. 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 are all very good to excellent years, with 2021 particularly stellar for Etna wines showing great elegance and precision from Nerello Mascalese.
What grapes are grown in Sicily?▼
The key grapes are Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Frappato. Nerello Mascalese is the star of Mount Etna, producing those elegant, perfumed reds. Nero d'Avola is more widely planted across western Sicily and gives fuller-bodied wines.
Is 2022 a good year for Sicily?▼
Yes, 2022 was a very good year for Sicily reds, earning a 4/5 rating. The wines show excellent concentration and freshness, especially those from Mount Etna. It's definitely a vintage worth seeking out.
When should I drink Sicily 2022?▼
Sicily 2022 reds are drinking beautifully now thanks to their concentration and freshness. The Etna wines especially have that lovely balance that makes them approachable young, though the best examples will continue to develop for several more years.
What food pairs well with Sicily wines?▼
The elegant Etna reds made from Nerello Mascalese pair beautifully with grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and lighter meat dishes - think Sicilian classics like swordfish or caponata. The fuller-bodied Nero d'Avola wines can handle heartier fare like lamb, aged cheeses, and rich pasta dishes.
How does Sicily compare to other major wine regions?▼
Sicily is one of Italy's most dynamic wine regions right now, with Mount Etna producing wines that rival Burgundy in elegance and complexity. The volcanic terroir gives these wines a unique character that sets them apart from mainland Italian regions. It's experiencing a true renaissance with quality that's finally matching its enormous potential.

Map data: vineyards.com, manually traced and edited