Ep 265: Sicily, Italy

Published: Feb. 18, 2019, 4:21 a.m.

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This week we discuss Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean that has a wildness, a culture, and a wine portfolio all its own. From the islands that make luscious sweet wines, to the hot interior churning out fruity reds, to the elegant reds and whites of Mount Etna, Sicily has something for everyone and is on the rise.

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Sicily Overview

  • Largest island in the Mediterranean, volcanic\\u2013 huge with rough infrastructure
  • Harvest lasts for over three months, beginning in the August heat in Trapaniand ending in Mount Etna in mid-November
  • As the author Nicolas Belfrage, \\u201cBrunello to Zibibbo\\u201d, Sicily has the potential to be \\u201cCalifornia, Australia, Chile, southern France, Jerez and middle Italy all rolled into one\\u201d
  • Long storied history of winemaking traditions there exist since\\xa0Greek, Roman and medieval times.
  • Number of DOCs: 23: Etna, Marsala, Moscato di Pantelleria (sweet wine), Cerasuolo di Vittoria (DOCG \\u2013 mostly Nero d\\u2019Avola with some Frappato).
  • Also: Catch-all IGT Terre Siciliane (25% of the island\\u2019s production)
  • Main white grapes:Cataratto, Trebbiano, Inzolia, Grecanico, Chardonnay, Grillo, Viognier, Caricante, Zibibbo
  • Main red grapes: Nero d\\u2019Avola, Syrah, Merlot, Nerello Mascalese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Frappato, Nerello Cappuccio

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Leading Sicilian producers:

  • Benanti, Ceuso, COS, Corvo (Duca di Salaparuta), Cottanera, Cusumano, De Bartoli, Donnafugata, Feudo Montoni, Firriato, Florio, Frank Cornelissen, Gulfi, Il Cantante, Morgante, Occhipinti, Planeta, Regaleali, Tenuta di Fessina, Terre Nere

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Thanks to our sponsors this week:\\xa0

YOU!The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make\\xa0the podcast possible and who we give goodies
in return for their help! Check it out today:\\xa0https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople

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