Another of the wine seminars at the Dionsysian Gathering was of Sicilian producers, presented by Giacomo di Lisi. In last decade, Sicily has emerged as one of Italy’s most interesting wine regions. With the volcanic soils thanks to Mount Etna, cooling sea breezes, plenty of sun, and a history of winemaking dating back to before the Roman Empire, Sicily produces wines that combine freshness and minerality. Despite being from a hot climate, these are not “hot” wines; they are fresh and have a bright minerality. The native varietals, including Gillo, Cattaratto, Carricante, and Nero d’Avola, express Sicily’s unique terroir.

We tried seven wines in all, starting with white, of course. First, we tried a 2024 Baglio Ingardia Sisili Bianco, comprised of 80% Grillo and 20% Zebibbo. The wine is organic, and grown in Western Sicily. This “summer in a bottle” bright yellow wine, with notes of white flowers, peach, citrus, and herbs, is fresh and aromatic, making it an excellent wine to drink on its own, or pair with seafood. 12.5% ABV; about $20/bottle. Available online.

The second white we tasted was a 2023 Gaetano Di Carlo Lù Catarratto, produced from 100% Catarratto grapes grown near Corleone, about 2,500 feet above sea level. Catarratto is one of Sicily’s oldest and most widely planted white varietals, prized for its ability to retain freshness in the island’s warm climate. On the nose, lemon, Mediterranean herbs, saline minerality. On the palate, the wine’s crisp acidity and elegant mineral finish make it a great pairing-partner for seafood, light pasta dishes, and appetizers. 12.5% ABV; about $30/bottle. Available online and in PA Fine Wine and Spirits stores.

The first red wine we tasted was a 2024 Tenuta Gorghi Tondi Dumè Frappato. Frappato is one of Sicily’s most distinctive red grapes. Gorghi Tondi Winery is owned two sisters, Clara and Anna Maria Sala, who farm organically on the Gorghi Tondi nature reserve on Sicily’s Southwest Coast. The wine is light ruby in color, with a floral, aromatic nose, with notes of blackberry, raspberry, pomegranate. The palate is fresh, juicy, and velvety, with soft tannins and bright acidity that make it perfect to serve slightly chilled, and pair with oily fish, pesto, charcuterie. Frappato is one of Sicily’s most versatile and food-friendly red wines. 12.5% ABV; about $21/bottle. Available at Wineworks. Gorghi Tondi also have a delightful Grillo.

Another red wine in the tasting that I put a star next to was a 2024 Baglio Ingardia Perricone DOC Sicilia, made from the historic Perricone grape, which was once widely planted throughout western Sicily. This organic wine was made via spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts.  Deep purple in color, the wine has notes of bramble, blackberry, blueberries, herbs, and higher acidity and tannins – this wine has structure. Perricone’s combination of acidity, dark fruit notes, and savory structure makes it an excellent pairing for grilled meats, aged cheeses, and heartier Sicilian dishes. 13.5% ABV; about $17/bottle. Available at Roger Wilco and Canal’s Pennsauken.  Saluti!