Sicily’s most famous wine families

Sicily – an Italian island drowning in the Mediterranean sun, beautiful and hot, is famous as the cradle of the mafia and the home of Italy’s finest wines. Traditions and customs are of great importance on this volcanic island. The history of viticulture and production of the alcohol here dates back to ancient Greece. Regardless of whether Sicily was ruled by Greeks, Romans or French at a given historical moment, wine-making customs were passed on from parents to children, and no historical perturbations shook local customs. This is how some of the oldest wineries in Europe came to be. Sicily’s most famous wine families to this day produce some of the more highly regarded wines.

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Sicily’s most famous wine families – or with tradition into modernity

For many years, Sicily was the most important wine region in Italy, and many families were involved in wine production. After a period – in the eighties and nineties, when the quality of production declined, Italian and especially Sicilian wines began to enjoy recognition again, being now a producer of high and appreciated wines of unique taste and aroma.

It’s worth taking a look at the current market and finding the best-known wine families in Sicily to see the peculiarities of the island’s wine market and to appreciate the vast tradition and experience in wine production. By the way of wines, it is also worth knowing world’s most expensive champagne.

Sicily’s most famous wineries

Sicily is famous for its sun, eulcan, mafia and wine. The island’s wine families are almost as badass as the mafia, and their achievements in the production of the beverage are appreciated around the world.

The most famous wineries in Sicily tradition and modernity. Each of them is run by families with great traditions in wine production. The most important among them are:

• Planet Wines
• Donnafugata.
• Cusumano.
• Tasca d’Almerita
• Benanti

Among these families with wine traditions, let’s take a look at three of the most famous wine producers, their history and achievements. It is mainly thanks to them that the wines of Sicily have regained their former reputation and have once again become valued and coveted by connoisseurs of the beverage. By the way, it is also worth considering in what serve spirits.

Planet Winery

If we consider the most famous wine families in Sicily, the Planeta family cannot be forgotten. Planeta Winery is an outstanding producer from Sicily that has won the respect of connoisseurs from around the world. This is the fascinating story of a family venture that began with a dream to promote Sicilian wines on the world stage.

Planeta is a name with a long history in Sicily. Diego Planeta, one of the winery’s founders, has Spanish roots, but his family has had a presence in Sicily since the 16th century. This history has provided a solid foundation for the family’s passion and commitment to winemaking.

Planeta Winery began its operations in 1990 with a determination to show the world that Sicily has much more to offer than low-quality wines. Their goal was to create liquors that wine lovers around the world would appreciate.

It is not only the commitment of the Planeta family that is responsible for the winery’s key success, but also the excellent quality and taste of the wines. When Diego was still working at the Settesoli wine cooperative, he conducted tests on more than 60 different grape varieties to identify those that stood out for their exceptional flavor and potential. The result was local varieties such as chardonnay, syrah and merlot, which have become Planet’s flagship products.

The Planet has 363 hectares of vineyards in various locations in Sicily, each with its own unique history and character. Italy, however, is not just about wines and pizza, other italian inspirations.

Cusumano

Brothers Alberto and Diego Cusumano are figures who are part of the history of Sicilian winemaking as the creators of the Cusumano brand. Their passion and determination resulted in the creation of an innovative and recognized winery.

In 2001, the brothers decided to take on the challenge together with oenologist Mario Ronco and launch the Cusumano brand. Their goal was to show the richness of Sicily as a land of contrasts that has the potential to produce exceptional wines. In creating the wines, they are guided by the idea of harmony between tradition and modernity and respect for Sicilian customs. The Cusano z family must be mentioned when choosing the most famous wine families in Sicily.

Cusumano Vineyards

Cusumano has vineyards spread across different regions of Sicily, with each site characterized by unique climate and soil. The Ficuzza vineyard in Piana degli Albanesi, located 700-800 meters above sea level, offers excellent conditions for growing varieties such as Inzolia, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, used to produce wines such as Ramusa, Jalé, Cubìa and Angimbé.

Presti e Pegni in Monreale, on hills with clay soils, creates excellent conditions for growing Nero d’Avola and Syrah varieties, which produce the excellent Benuara wine. San Giacomo in Butera has limestone soils on which Nero d’Avola trivets, used to make Sàgana wine.

In April 2013, the Cusumano family acquired land on the northern slope of Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, resulting in the Alta Mora project. This winery focuses on producing wine from the Etna region, where grapes grow on volcanic soils at 800-1000 meters above sea level.

Cusumano is also an example of a manufacturer that cares about the aesthetics of its bottles and labels. Glass stoppers and modern label design are an important part of the company’s marketing, as is consistent attention to product quality.

Benanti

The history and philosophy of the Benanti winery are a fascinating example of the combination of tradition and modernity and the commitment to producing exceptional wines in Sicily. Founded by Giuseppe Benanti in 1988, this winery has become a symbol of respect for local grape varieties and the unique terroir of the Etna region.

The Benanti story began with the family’s passion and tradition in wine production, but it was Giuseppe Benanti who turned it into a professional venture that appreciated the potential of Etna’s volcanic slopes and ethno varieties. The climate of the Benanti vineyard is unusual due to the volcanic soil and unique exposure to the sun. The vineyard is spread out in different DOC areas on Etna, which allows it to produce wines from native varieties: nerello mascalese, carricante, nerello cappuccio or minnella. When listing the most famous wine families in Sicily, one should not forget the makers of “slow” wine.

“Slow” wine

One of the key elements that sets Benanti apart is its “slow wine” approach to production. The production process is unhurried, full of attention and care, and the goal is to produce wines of the highest quality. A commitment to tradition, respect for terroir and dedication to quality are the cornerstones of Benanti’s business.

Benanti Vineyard has a reputation both as an iconic Sicilian producer and as a pioneer that sets high standards for wine production. The wine is matched with the perfect food. Served on the appropriateje pledge With a glass of wine will ensure an unforgettable evening.

What sets Sicilian wines apart?

• Volcanic Terroir:
  • Sicily is one of the most volcanic places in the world, and fertile soil is one of the key elements of Sicilian agriculture.
• Climate Diversity:
  • Sicily has a diverse climate, ranging from subtropical on the coast to cooler and mountainous around Mount Etna.
  • Climate affects the differences in taste and aroma of wines.
• Local grape varieties:
  • Sicily is home to many unique grape varieties, such as Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Carricante and Grillo.
  • The autochthonous varietals give the wines their unique character and flavor.
• Sun:
  • The high amount of sunshine in Sicily favors the ripening of grapes, which translates into sweetness and richness of flavor in the wines.
  • Sunny exposures also affect the color intensity of wines.
• Traditions:
  • Sicily has a long history of viticulture, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
  • These traditions influence the methods of wine production, preserved for centuries. By the way, it is worth noting other products with an interesting history, such as. caviar.
• Culture and Gastronomy:
  • Sicily is a region with a rich culinary culture, where wine plays an important role in the company of food.
  • Wines from Sicily pair perfectly with local dishes such as pasta, seafood and cheese.
• Strong and dessert wines:
  • Sicilian wines are known for their high alcohol content and intense flavors, especially in red wines.
  • Marsala-type dessert wine is another specialty of Sicily, known all over the world.
• Innovation and Modernity:
  • In recent years, winemakers in Sicily have been investing in modern winemaking technologies and techniques.
  • This innovation contributes to the creation of ever higher quality wines

Sicilian wines certainly stand out in the market and are an interesting proposition for lovers of the drink. And here are some hints for whiskey fans.