SICILIAN SPARKLING WINES TO LOOK FOR
August 31, 2022
Can you hear that? It’s the sound of corks popping! And not just any bubbles… Sicilian Sparkling Wine!
When we think of sparkling wine, Sicily is not the first region that comes to mind. Yet, today, the production of the classic method sparkling wine “Made in Sicily” is proliferating throughout the island. Each year, more and more wineries delight us with fascinating new offerings, made from both white and red grapes vinified in white and rosé.
Today, my aim is to make your Sicilian bubbly experience that much more exciting, by giving you the ultimate list of artisanal Sicilian Classic Method sparkling wines to enjoy. There are several bottles, winemakers, and food pairing ideas so you can choose your favorite, generating enthusiasm at every sip.
"TERZAVIA" Marco De Bartoli
“TERZAVIA” by Marco De Bartoli winery, a well-known historical winery of the Marsala area is definitely the one that is trying the most to dare, beautifully representing the tradition of an evolving territory, enhancing hitherto unexplored characters of Grillo variety. For one part, the base wine does vinification in steel vats preserving the grapes’ delicate characteristics. At the same time, oak barrels give the wine an additional rounded and easy-drinking quality expressed through camomile, ripe citrus fruits, and nutty, and pastry notes. Then it is left on the lees for 18 months.
A fine, elegant wine with great acidity that goes well with raw fish appetizers, shellfish, traditional Sicilian seafood starters, or tartare, especially Mediterranean albacore or red tuna.
"BLANC DE BLANCS" Alessandro Viola
“BLANC DE BLANCS” by Alessandro Viola from a picturesque Alcamo, one of the emerging Sicilian wine regions when it comes to natural wines.
This sparkling wine is fruity and elegant. Made of 100% Catarratto grapes, with no dosage, and great authenticity. Base aged for 4 months 90% in steel and 10% in barrique, stays on the lees in the bottle for at least 20 months before disgorging.
Ideal as an aperitif with its fine bubbles, it will go perfectly with tapas and various Sicilian traditional recipes. Drink this delightful wine young; without further delay, you will enjoy its floral and fruity notes as well as notes of almond paste, wild herbs, beeswax, creamy freshness, and citrus fruit notes. Or let it rest for a few years in the cellar.
"LYR" Porta del Vento
“LYR” by Porta del Vento. A biodynamic winery guided by Marco Sferlazzo, situated in Camporeale, province of Palermo on 600 m.a.s.l. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind Sicilian sparkling wine made of exclusively an indigenous variety Perricone.
Aged for 15 months on the lees in the bottle, it has persistent perlage and unexpected verticality. This Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine is somewhat unforgettable on the palate. Round but the saline finish has impressive persistence and makes for some pleasant pairings with maritime-influenced dishes. Try it with oysters, spaghetti with clams, pasta with sardines, and wild fennel or creamy chicken with mushrooms.
"BOLLA MATER" Emilio Sciacca
“BOLLA MATER”, a new entry in Sciacca winery. It’s made of 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes coming from the Northern part of Etna, spending 24 months on the lees before it’s released on the market.
A concentration of aromas and emotions spreads into floral and delicate spicy hints, to mature yellow apple, dough, and well-pronounced acidity. Enjoy this versatile natural wine with Sicilian street food, fresh goat cheese, grilled shrimp with citrus sauce, and baked salt-crusted Mediterranean fish.
Quaffable and full of enthusiasm is meant for sharing with others, to build and strengthen friendships.
"BLANC DE NOIR" Nuzzella
“BLANC DE NOIR” by Nuzzella winery situated in Piedimonte Etneo, at 550 m a.s.l. the north-eastern slope of Mount Etna. A mountainous and at the same time Mediterranean climate, a wide temperature range, and volcanic soil rich in elements makes this artisanal sparkling wine made of 100% Nerello Mascalese of complexity and excellent density. It is lent by traditional élevage and aging on racks for two to three years.
Makes a good accompaniment for gourmet dishes such as fish in white sauce or grilled shellfish giving it an attractive roundness and refined effervescence. The mouthfeel reflects the efforts made through the natural winemaking process.
Rosé "COS" COS
“COS” by COS winery is made from the native Frappato grape, typical of the Vittoria region of Sicily. It is made with spontaneous fermentation in terracotta amphorae, and aging for 56 months on its own yeasts. It is a delicious Rosè Sicilian sparkling wine with a fine perlage and hints of dried strawberry and rhubarb, aromatic herbs. The aftertaste is harmonious, giving the finish a bit of dryness supported by good acidity.
In order to take advantage of all its aromatic qualities, serve it at a temperature of ten to twelve degrees. As a pairing to a delightful selection of charcuterie, or for a stronger-flavored fish, such as salmon or tuna cooked on the barbeque, duck breast or aged cheeses.
Rosé "Vinudilice" I Vigneri
Rosé “Vinudilice” Brut sparkling wine by I Vigneri guided by the well-known oenologist Salvo Foti.
It comes from a single parcel called Vigna Bosco at an altitude of 1,300 m a.s.l., one of the highest vineyards on Mount Etna. Where sustainable viticulture and traditional methods in the vineyard have played a full role in enabling this Etna sparkling wine to express the sense of place in its best light.
This nugget of energy, vivacity, and freshness is vinified using the traditional method and matured on lees for 18 months. It is made from a blend of both white and red varieties such as Grenache, Grecanico, Minnella, and other less-known Sicilian native varieties.
Excellent natural wine with a unique personality, delicate rosé color, and very fine and delicate bubbles. The nose brings complex, structured hints of rose petals, lots of red fruits, strawberry mousse, warm brioche, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Make the most of your pre-dinner, serving it with cheese puff canapés, tomato-based bruschettas, a rich seafood platter, flavourful poultry, or salmon-based sushi. Enjoy!
