One could say that This Writer has a proprietary interest in Sicily. After all my Mother was born there in a little village called Trabia arriving in America with her Mother at the age of three with her two sisters.
Despite its small size Trabia has taken part in a good deal of history. First settled by Greeks, then Arabs arrived in 827 A.D. followed by Normans in 1074. It also stands out as the first town in Europe to be liberated in World War 11 when the Allies invaded Sicily in 1943.
So as a wine writer it seems logical to extend interest in the largest island in the Mediterranean to its culinary and wine diversity. The Greeks brought grape vines with them when they arrived about 2,500 years ago. But the cultural influences move past the Greeks, to Romans, Arab, Spanish and French.
We recently had the opportunity to taste Vigna di Pettineo made from one of Sicily's most prized native varietals, Nero D'Avola. This red grape wine offers freshness and fruit and is often compared with the Syrah varietal. The wine we tasted offered intenseness in aroma but with smooth tannins and a surprising softness. We thought it an outstanding wine.
Vigna di P:ettineo Winery is located in the southwestern part of the Island facing the Mediterranean sea.
From a family vineyard named Baglio Di Pianetto we tasted Ficiligno 2014. This is a white wine, a blend of Insolia and Viognier. The wine was produced in stainless steel and in the glass shows a floral bouquet that on the palate offers fresh fruit that lingers in the finish. The family of Count Pado and Countess Florence Marzotto now includes three generations active in the Winery. It is located in Santa Cristina Gela, DOC Monreale, near Palermo. And also close to Trabia which is just 19 miles from Palermo.
The classic white wine varietal, Grillo, is native to Sicily and is often compared with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Today it is sometimes blended with chardonnay but as often stands on its own as a cocktail styled wine.
These wines are registered as DOC Sicilia. Until recently few wines from Sicily reached the U.S. but that is changing and more of its vintages are now reaching American markets.
To learn more about Sicily and Sicilia DOC check the web at Wines of Sicily.
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