A Wine Lover's Journey Through Sicily's Cerasuolo di Vittoria Region
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is not just about stunning beaches and ancient ruins. It's also home to some of Italy's most exciting wines. Join me as I recount my whirlwind tour of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria region, where I explored five fantastic wineries over three action-packed days.
Day 1: Touching Down in Catania
Our adventure began with a quick lunch at Antica Focacceria San Francesco in Catania Airport. Then it was off to our first winery, Terre di Giurfo. Here, we were treated to a tasting paired with traditional Sicilian cannoli - a perfect introduction to the region's flavours!
The day ended with a sumptuous dinner at U Dammusu Restaurant in Chiaramonte Gulfi, where we were joined by representatives from several wineries. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the local wine scene and indulge in some incredible local food. Here, I had the most incredible pistachio pasta - a local delicacy that was absolutely unreal!
Day 2: Diving Deep into Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Our second day was packed with winery visits. We started at Horus Winery, where owner Giudice Rosario guided us through a tasting of their wines.
Next, it was on to Gulfi, where we were not only treated to a tasting but also a delicious lunch. The owner, Matteo Catania, along with winemaker Salvo Foti, shared their passion for the region's wines.
The day concluded with a walk around the beautiful baroque town of Ragusa Ibla, followed by dinner at the charming Monsù Restaurant.
“Throughout the trip, one wine consistently stood out: Cerasuolo di Vittoria. This DOCG wine is a blend of Nero d’Avola (50-70%) and Frappato (30-50%), creating a unique expression of Sicilian terroir. The Nero d’Avola provides structure, body, and dark fruit flavours, while Frappato contributes elegance, floral notes, and bright red fruit characteristics. The result is a wine of remarkable complexity, balancing power and finesse. With its medium body, vibrant acidity, and soft tannins, Cerasuolo di Vittoria showcases flavours of cherry, strawberry, and herbs, often with a distinctive mineral undertone reflective of the region’s diverse soils.”
Day 3: Santa Tresa and Cortese
The highlight of our trip came on the final day with a visit to Santa Tresa winery. It was a thrill to see the home of amazing quality, affordable wines that are available in UK supermarkets. Owner Stefano Girelli and winemaker Mattia Giacomelli led us through a tasting of their organic wines, showcasing the winery's commitment to quality and sustainability.
Just a short drive away was our last stop, Cortese winery. Here, we got another chance to taste with Stefano and Mattia, deepening our understanding of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG.
We ended our trip with a seaside dinner at Marta Cucina d'aMare in Marina di Ragusa - a fitting finale to our Sicilian wine adventure.
Unexpected Discoveries and Sicilian Charm
What struck me most about this trip was the unexpected elegance of Cerasuolo di Vittoria. The wine's quality and complexity were genuinely eye-opening. I was also impressed by the region's spirit of experimentation. Winemakers were exploring new varieties and techniques, including amphora for fermentation and ageing.
The landscape of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria region was stunning, with significant variations in soil type contributing to the complexity of the wines. This diversity was evident in every glass we tasted.
One of the most memorable aspects of the trip was the opportunity to dine with winemakers and sample local cuisine. These moments truly captured the essence of Sicilian wine culture - the passion for good food, great wine, and warm hospitality.
A Unique Wine Experience
Compared to other wine regions I've visited, Sicily felt uniquely relaxed. The focus here is on food-friendly, delicious wines that reflect the sunny, laid-back nature of the island.
Of course, no wine trip is complete without a few mishaps. In one particularly memorable (and slightly mortifying) moment, a spittoon was accidentally tipped over one of our wine colleagues, leaving her drenched in wine and... well, you can imagine! Despite this, spirits remained high - a testament to our group's good humour and camaraderie.
Final Thoughts
This whirlwind Cerasuolo di Vittoria region tour offered a tantalising glimpse into Sicily's vibrant wine scene. From the warm hospitality of the winery owners to the delicious local cuisine, it was an experience that will linger long after the last sip of wine.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast or love exploring new cultures through food and drink, Sicily's Cerasuolo di Vittoria region should be on your travel radar. And don't forget to try some chilled Frappato with your seafood - it's a match made in Sicilian heaven! Salute!
