Modesto wine columnist on selections to seek out from Sicily
The Phoenicians did it, so did the Carthaginians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, the Spaniards and even the Allied Forces. Now it was our time to invade Sicily.
The Navigator and I spent 15 days with eight other travelers and a crazy/energetic guide exploring the island of Sicily. With a small group we were able to connect with local people through visits to farms, wineries, workshops, artisan studios and homes.
We visited Greek and Roman temples and theaters, an elaborate Roman villa, castles and more cathedrals than you can shake a stick at. We visited museums, street markets, took a joy ride in a vintage Fiat 500 and climbed Mt. Etna on fresh lava sand. We enjoyed sampling street food, home cooked meals and traditional Sicilian restaurants, even some with Michelin stars. And we sampled Sicilian wine.
Sicily is home to more than 50 indigenous grape varietals. The island is ideal for grape growing with rich soils, sea breezes and hilly topography. The lush and fruit-forward Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s most popular red. It is its number one export to America. And Grillo,(gree-lo) a fresh aromatic white grape, is number two.
I found a nifty Sicilian Wine Cheat Sheet online, produced by the Wines of Sicilia DOC. It stated that if you like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, then try Grillo, a grassy-sassy cousin to Sauvignon Blanc. If you like Chenin Blanc or Albarino, then try Lucido, with aromas of ripe citrus, melon and herbal flavors, with a full body and healthy acidity. If you like Cabernet, Grenache or Syrah, try Nero d’Avola. This big red, though accessible when young, has the capacity to evolve over time. If you like Gamay or Pinot Noir, try Frappato. It is ruby colored, with aromas of violets, spices, red cherry, with ripe tannins and lingering freshness. Sicily has 23 DOC wines and one DOCG, the Cerasuola di Vittoria, a blend of dark Nero d’ Avola and Frappato.
Invading Sicily was the perfect escape we desperately needed after two years of being house-bound. Here’s to Sicily, our eight new friends and our sweet zany guide.
What’s On Our Table
The steal this week is Costco’s 2020 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi for just $7.99 and with $3 off, it’s just $4.99. The deal, from the Grocery Outlet, is the 2017 Boom Boom Syrah from the Columbia Valley in Washington, priced at $6.99. The Lodi 2019 Mohr Fry Ranch Old Vine Zinfandel from St. Amant Winery lists for $20. Costco’s price is under $14. For a 93 point wine, this is a steal and a deal. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.
This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 7:00 AM.