Many grapes are made into raisins, used in local cooking, and Sicilian grapes also play a large role in creating dessert wines, which require a higher concentration of grapes and are consumed in smaller quantities. In fact, in the world of international wine, Sicily is renowned for the many outstanding dessert wines, such as the world-famous Marsala, Moscato di Pantelleria & Malvasia delle Lipari.
The traditional varieties cultivated on the island include: red grape varieties such as Nero d'Avola (today experiencing a significant renaissance in the market), Nerello Cappuccio and Mascalese, Carricante, Nocera, Perricone and Frappato; white grape varieties such as Catarratto, Grecanico, Grillo, Inzolia, Malvasia delle Lipari and Zibibbo or Moscato. In addition to the traditional varieties listed above, today there are numerous non-traditional varieties grown on the island which include: red varieties such as Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; white varieties such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Muller Thurgau and Sauvignon blanc.
Bordeaux-style wine
Lacroix is a Superior Bordeaux produced by the merger of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is an elegant, velvety and fruity wine with a ruby red color.
Pezat Blanc is a dry white Bordeaux produced from Sauvignon Blanc grapes with the addition of Muscadelle which gives it an exotic note. It is a fresh and fruity wine with a refreshing finish.
Les Asteries was the first of Saint-Emilion's micro-cuvée wines and is produced from eighty-year-old vines that survived the devastating frost of 1956.
Chateau Teyssier is one of the best selling Grand Crus Saint Emilion. Produced from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes and aged in French oak, it is a rich, velvety and spicy wine.
Authentic white wine from Etna
From the vineyards of the Raciti family on the northern side of Etna, Rupestre is born, a powerful and pure Carricante. Etna white mineral and complex, with a perfect balance between structure and freshness, Rupestre enhances the uniqueness of the volcanic terroir, representing the most authentic expression of the native Etna white grape variety.
Authentic red wine from Etna
From the vineyards of the Raciti family on the northern side of Etna, Rupestre is born, a pure and rough Nerello Mascalese. Etna red slightly mineral and intense, deep and expressive, Rupestre enhances the uniqueness of the volcanic terroir representing the most authentic expression of the native Etna red grape.