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.
Sicilia DOCCatarratto, InzoliaEUR 8-12 retail
Corvo Bianco is a widely distributed Sicilian white, a fresh, clean Catarratto-Inzolia blend from Duca di Salaparuta. Light citrus, melon and crisp acidity. Entry-level and widely available at everyday pricing.
Tip: Found at virtually every Italian supermarket and exported widely; the most reliably available Sicilian white under EUR 10 internationally.
Sicilia DOCGrilloEUR 14-18 retail
Single-varietal Grillo from the Feudi del Pisciotto estate in the Niscemi area of central-south Sicily. Broad citrus peel, salted almond and a briny mineral finish characteristic of inland Grillo planted far from the sea. Well-priced for the variety and the estate's profile.
Tip: Grillo in this area of Sicily has a distinct textured character different from the lighter coastal examples; pair with pasta alla Norma or grilled aubergine.
Sicilia DOCNero d'AvolaEUR 12-16 retail
Morgante's Classico is the entry tier from one of Agrigento province's benchmark Nero d'Avola producers. The Classico shows the variety's signature dark cherry, carob and sun-dried tomato character at a price well below the more aged Don Antonio riserva tier.
Tip: Morgante's vineyards in Grotte are at higher elevation than most Sicilian DOC plantings, giving the Classico more freshness and acidity than typical Nero d'Avola.