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.
Natural “passito” of Pantelleria obtained from a careful selection of muscat of Alexandria grapes or Zibibbo, hand-picked towards the end of August and then dried. It is golden-yellow with amber reflections and you can make out scents of tropical fruit and honey in its wonderful aroma. Best with oven-baked cakes and piquant cheeses.
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.
This is a deep amber-coloured dessert Marsala, not unlike a sweet Pedro Ximenex in flavour profile. It's raisiny on the nose with a hint of cinnamon, lots of Christmas fruitcake flavours and a long, very moreish finish. Try it with a blue cheese or a ripe triple cream.
Picking at the end of August and the successive drying of the grapes give this sweet wine its characteristic golden colour with amber reflections. In its intense persistent aroma you can recognise hints of apricot honey and dried figs. Best with fruit flans and hard cheeses.
From the marvelous island of Pantelleria and from the best selection of Muscat of Alessandria grapes or Zibibbo here is an excellent sweet, light gold wine with an intense, elegant aroma. Ideal with dried fruit and as an after dinner wine
An aromatic blend Marsala Fine DOC and essence of bitter almonds. May be enjoyed as an aperitif or to accompany desserts, particularly those prepared with almond paste, typical of Sicilian bakers.
A careful selection of the best Zibibbo grapes in the province of Trapani make up one of the best sweet i.g.t. wines in Sicily. It has a splendid light straw colour and a strong aroma. An ideal dessert wine.
This Marsala Vergine produced by the Soleras method is aged in small oak barrels for five years. Intense spicy aroma with hints of dried fruit make it unique and unmistakeable. Perfect with herb-flavoured and well-seasoned cheeses.
This delicate, captivating Marsala Superiore is aged for over two years in oak barrels. Its intense, persistent vanilla aroma is highlighted by the presence of aquavitae. Ideal with baked cakes, seasoned cheeses.
Form the best selections of white malmsey grapes this very delicate, amber coloured sweet wine is obtained. The pleasant aroma of ripe fruit is reflected in its full harmonious taste.
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.