Sensory journey in southeastern Sicily
Welcome to the wonderful world of Sicilian wines, a multisensory experience that embraces the richness of the Mediterranean landscape and flavors.
Its thousand-year history, prime location, and scenic and cultural diversity will captivate you.
The ancient legend of Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus, told by Homer, takes us to the Land of the Cyclops, Sicily, where sweet, full-bodied wine saved heroes and put enemies to sleep. This land is at the heart of a millennia-old wine tradition, a cultural and food heritage that permeates Sicilian daily life. Greek culture helped link wine to the Cult of Dionysus, god of intoxication and fertility, whose legends of travel and adventure often intertwined with the Sicilian shores of the Mediterranean. From symposia to Dionysian festivals, wine has always played a central role in the island’s society and mythology.
In the southeastern part of Sicily we find a rich heritage of ancient Greece, manifested especially through the renowned local wines. It is said that the goddess Ceres, while searching for her daughter Persephone, came to these fertile lands. Distraught and tired, Ceres found comfort in the warm welcome of the locals, who offered her food and rest. Grateful for the hospitality of the inhabitants, Ceres blessed the local vineyards, teaching them the art of viticulture. Thanks to her blessing, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a cherry-colored wine symbolizing nature’s fertility and generosity, was born. Each sip of this wine is a tribute to the goddess and the ancient agricultural traditions of Sicily. Remaining among the legends, it is said that during the Middle Ages, a Norman knight named Avola, returning from the Crusades, brought with him to Sicily grapes he had discovered in his travels. Fascinated by the fertility of the island, he planted these vines, which produced a robust and intense wine. In his honor, the wine was named Nero d’Avola, giving it an aura of nobility and courage, linking the grape variety to Sicily’s rich history. Still today, Nero d’Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the only wine to bear the D.O.C.G. label, stand out in this territory.
Nero d’Avola, considered the main ambassador of Sicilian viticulture, gives rigorous and structured wines. In Cerasuolo di Vittoria, on the other hand, Nero d’Avola is combined with Frappato, creating a perfect balance between the robustness of the former and the softness of the latter. This combination offers velvety, fresh and juicy wines enriched with penetrating and unforgettable notes that reflect the thousand-year history and unique terroir of eastern Sicily.
Exploring the culinary treasures of Sicily also means immersing oneself in a world of unique flavors and aromas that pair perfectly with the island’s renowned wines. Desserts such as cannolo, cassata and almond paste pair beautifully with passiti and moscati, while caponata enhances its bittersweet balance with soft red wines such as Frappato. Pasta specialties such as Norma with eggplant, tomatoes and grated ricotta salata should be accompanied by an aromatic and fresh white wine.
In this land rich and dense with history, culture, flavors, and mythology, the appointment with “Teruar” in May promises to be an unmissable experience for natural wine lovers. Scicli’s first natural wine fair aims to raise awareness of the figure of the winemaker and the idea of ethical viticulture, immersing itself in the culture of natural, biodynamic and artisanal wines. With more than 300 labels for tasting, 70 wineries present and representatives from 15 regions of Italy, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore the diversity and quality of Italian wines.
But the surprises do not end there: in June, theevent “La Strada del Vino Valdinoto” brings together wineries, farms, wine shops and restaurateurs operating in the area. This event opens the summer of wine tourism routes in southeastern Sicily, offering an unforgettable experience for true wine lovers.
And now imagine yourself sitting in a traditional wine cellar, surrounded by wooden barrels and an atmosphere filled with history and tradition. An experienced winemaker will welcome you with a warm smile and invite you to discover this fascinating world. With elegance and passion, he will guide you through a sensory tasting that will allow you to explore the many layers of these extraordinary wines with a ritual that will engage all your senses.
Begin by observing the wine in the glass, admiring its color. Then let yourself be carried away by the aromas that are released as the glass is shaken. Your tasting will not only be a journey in flavors, but an immersion in the culture and history of one of Sicily’s most fascinating wine-growing areas. Be enchanted by the landscapes and warm hospitality. Whether it is during one of the food and wine events such as Teruar in May or La Strada del Vino Valdinoto in June, or simply on a quiet visit to the winery, each experience will be a lasting memory.
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the unique charm of southeastern Sicily with Enjoy Barocco. Prepare your senses and your heart for an unforgettable wine adventure. Cheers!
