TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Sicilian White Grapes Types
Mostly cultivated in Campania, Fiano is an old Italian variety that has seen a significant revival since the 1980s. This low-yielding, early-ripening grape is praised for its ability to produce crisp and aromatic wines with a lot of character and herbaceous and fruity notes.
These wines are typically medium-bodied and intensely flavored. Young Fiano wines often display aromatic honey notes, and as they age, they tend to develop smoky and spicy notes dominated by hazelnut. The aromas are perfectly balanced with bright acidity.
VARIATIONS OF Fiano
Inzolia is an Italian grape variety mainly associated with Sicily, though small amounts are also found in Tuscany (Ansonica Bianca). The grape was best known for its use in Marsala wine, but it is now often blended with the local Catarratto, and it can also produce good quality varietals.
The wines produced from Inzolia are straw-colored, floral, and usually have a distinct nutty character. The aroma is typically reminiscent of mimosa, apricots, peaches, and citrus fruit. The wines are soft and round, with low to medium acidity and a subtle mineral finish.
THE BEST Inzolia Wine Varieties
Azienda Agricola G. Milazzo
Terre della Baronia Grande Cuvée
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or 2022
Catarratto is an ancient and little-known Sicilian white grape. In the past, it was mainly used for unimpressive, bland wines, but some producers have shown that a better approach can result in excellent white wines with a fresh and mineral character.
The grape is abundant in Sicily, and it is mainly used in Sicilia DOC. This high-yield grape produces wine with a good body and a fruity and floral aroma, often reminiscent of citrus fruit, apricots, jasmine, and orange blossom, along with some tropical and herbal notes.
Zibibbo is the local Sicilian name for Muscat of Alexandria grapes. This grape belongs to a large family of Moscato grapes, which are famous for their perfumed aromas and sweet flavors. Muscat of Alexandria is believed to be one of the oldest genetically unmodified vines still in existence.
The grape is praised for its ability to produce incredibly aromatic wines. Zibibbo is cultivated throughout Sicily, but it is best known for its use in Pantelleria, a small DOC on the eponymous island located southwest of Sicily. The grape is used in the production of dry and dessert wines.
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