Exploring Terroir and Vines: Sensory Journey in South-Eastern Sicily

Welcome to the wonderful world of Sicilian wines, a multisensory experience that embraces the richness of the landscape and flavors of the Mediterranean.

Its thousand-year history, its privileged position and its landscape and cultural diversity will captivate you.

The ancient legend of Ulysses and the Cyclops Polyphemus, narrated by Homer , takes us to the Land of the Cyclops, Sicily, where sweet and full-bodied wine saved heroes and put enemies to sleep. This land is the heart of a thousand-year-old wine tradition, a cultural and food heritage that permeates Sicilian daily life. Greek culture helped link wine to the cult of Dionysus, god of intoxication and fertility, whose legends of travel and adventure were often intertwined with the Sicilian coasts of the Mediterranean. From symposiums to Dionysian festivals, wine has always played a central role in the society and mythology of the island.

In the south-eastern part of Sicily we find a rich legacy of ancient Greece, manifested above all through the renowned local wines. it is said that the goddess Ceres, during the search for her daughter Persephone, arrived in these fertile lands.
Heartbroken and tired, Ceres found comfort in the warm welcome of the locals, who offered her food and rest. Grateful for the inhabitants’ hospitality, Ceres blessed the local vineyards, teaching them the art of viticulture. Thanks to his blessing, Cerasuolo di Vittoria was born, a cherry-coloured wine, a symbol of fertility and nature’s generosity. Every sip of this wine is a tribute to the goddess and the ancient agricultural traditions of Sicily. Remaining among the legends, it is said that during the Middle Ages, a Norman knight named Avola, returning from the Crusades, brought with him to Sicily some grapes discovered on his travels. Fascinated by the fertility of the island, he planted these vines, which produced a robust and intense wine. In his honor, the wine was called Nero d’Avola, giving it an aura of nobility and courage, linking the grape variety to Sicily’s rich history. Even today in this area, Nero d’Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria stand out, the only wine to boast the D.O.C.G. brand.

Nero d’Avola, considered the main ambassador of Sicilian viticulture, gives rigorous and structured wines. In Cerasuolo di Vittoria, however, Nero d’Avola combines with Frappato, creating a perfect balance between the robustness of the former and the softness of the latter. This combination offers velvety, fresh and juicy wines, enriched by penetrating and unforgettable notes, which reflect the millenary history and unique territory of eastern Sicily.

Exploring the culinary treasures of Sicily also means immersing yourself in a world of unique flavors and aromas, which marry perfectly with the renowned wines of the island.
Desserts such as cannoli, cassata and almond paste pair beautifully with passito and moscato wines, while caponata enhances its sweet and sour balance with soft red wines such as Frappato. The pasta specialty, such as the Norma with aubergines, tomatoes and grated salted ricotta should be accompanied by an aromatic and fresh white wine.

In this rich land full of history, culture, flavors and mythology the appointment with “Teruar”in May promises to be an unmissable experience for lovers of natural wine. The first natural wine fair in Scicli aims to raise awareness of the figure of the winemaker and the idea of ​​ethical viticulture, immersing itself in the culture of natural, biodynamic and artisanal wines. With over 300 labels for tasting, 70 wineries present and representatives of 15 regions of Italy, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore the diversity and quality of Italian wines.

But the surprises don’t end here: in June, the event “
The Valdinoto Wine Route” brings together wineries, farms, wine shops and restaurateurs operating in the area. This event opens the summer of wine tourism routes in south-eastern Sicily, offering an unforgettable experience for true wine enthusiasts.

And now imagine yourself sitting in a traditional cellar, surrounded by wooden barrels and an atmosphere full of history and tradition. He will welcome you with a warm smile and invite you to discover this fascinating world. With elegance and passion, he will guide you through a sensorial tasting that will allow you to explore the multiple layers of these extraordinary wines with a ritual that will involve all your senses.

Start by observing the wine in the glass, admiring its color. Then let yourself be carried away by the aromas that are released when the glass is shaken. Your tasting will not only be a journey into flavors, but an immersion in the culture and history of one of the most fascinating wine-growing areas of Sicily. Let yourself be enchanted by the landscapes and the warm hospitality. Whether during one of the food and wine events such as Teruar in May or La Strada del Vino Valdinoto in June, or simply during a quiet visit to the cellar, every experience will be an indelible memory.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the unique charm of south-eastern Sicily with Enjoy Barocco. Prepare your senses and heart for an unforgettable wine adventure. Cheers!