Terre Siciliane IGTAlbanello, ZibibboEUR 18-22 retail
Arianna Occhipinti's SP68 Bianco is a blend of Albanello and Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) from organic farming near Vittoria. Pale gold, fragrant orange blossom, salted lemon peel and a textured, naturally fermented finish. One of Sicily's most individual and distinctive under-EUR 25 white wines.
Tip: SP68 Bianco is named after a Vittoria-area road, not a numbered vintage. Low-sulfur and alive; drink within two years of vintage and serve well chilled.
Sicilia DOCNero d'AvolaEUR 12-16 retail
Donnafugata's entry-level Nero d'Avola from Sicilian DOC vineyards. Ripe cherry, carob and warm spice; the approachable house style that introduces Donnafugata's range. Drink young.
Tip: Sedara is reliably available and under EUR 15 in major Italian supermarkets and wine shops. A reliable introduction to Nero d'Avola at near-everyday pricing.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCGNero d'Avola, FrappatoEUR 16-20 retail
Planeta's Cerasuolo di Vittoria from their Vittoria estate, blending Nero d'Avola with Frappato in the DOCG's classic ratio. Red cherry, pomegranate and violet; lighter and more elegant than pure Nero d'Avola bottlings.
Tip: Sicily's only DOCG blend at under EUR 20 represents exceptional value for the appellation tier. Serve slightly cool at 16 C with grilled swordfish or arancini.
Terre Siciliane IGTFrappatoEUR 18-22 retail
COS's entry-level varietal Frappato from organic farming in Vittoria, fermented in amphora and concrete with native yeasts. Sour cherry, hibiscus and white pepper, light-bodied and best served cool.
Tip: The COS Frappato is as close as Sicily gets to light-bodied Beaujolais in weight and style. Ideal for warm evenings with cured meats and caciocavallo.
Sicilia DOCCatarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico, GrilloEUR 12-15 retail
The flagship entry-level white from the Regaleali estate in the Sicilian interior. A blend of native white varieties with fresh citrus, white almond and floral character. Drink within two years of vintage for its freshest expression.
Tip: Regaleali Bianco is one of the most reliably fresh and well-made Sicilian whites at entry-level pricing. Look for it at any decent Italian enoteca under EUR 14.
Terre Siciliane IGPPerricone
Rosso di Marco is a 100% Pignatello (Perricone) red, first made in 2011 from vines over 25 years old in western Sicily, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 24 months in 10 hl French oak barrels and one month in bottle. The estate says it was conceived to show that a great red can be made in Marsala without following outside models.
Tip: Pignatello is the Trapani-area name for Perricone, a traditional western Sicilian red grape that disappeared for many years; this is the Samperi estate's bottling of it.
