Food Pairings with Sicilian Wines

by Enzo Zak Expert in Italian Lifestyle

Sicily is a land rich in culinary specialties, and a journey through this region offers the opportunity to savor exceptional typical dishes, ranging from first courses to mains and street delights. Street food, for example, is extraordinarily delicious and perfect for snacking while strolling along the promenades or through the city streets.

Additionally, Sicilian wines are a true treasure. Produced mainly from native grapes, they reflect a love for tradition and a passion for gastronomy. These wines pair beautifully with a variety of local dishes, including desserts, and embody values of authenticity, genuineness, and the pursuit of the goodness that characterizes the finest artisanal productions. You can find some fine desserts on Bell Italia.

Nero d’Avola One of Sicily's most renowned wines is undoubtedly Nero d’Avola. This ruby-red wine never fails to impress with its fruity bouquet and subtle hints of spice. Nero d’Avola pairs wonderfully with meats, especially roasts, and game, and with aged cheeses. Let's not forget its excellent companionship with mushroom and eggplant-based sides.

Alcamo White Alcamo white, originating from the Alcamo area as the name suggests, has a straw-yellow color and a harmonious aroma. This wine is the ideal choice for fish, enhancing its flavor remarkably. Since Sicily is a coastal region, fish is a widely enjoyed culinary staple.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Cerasuolo di Vittoria is an elegant wine with a strong personality. It has a medium and round body, with slight tannins that balance its flavor. Predominant notes include red fruits, pomegranate, and delicate floral hints. This wine is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with fish, especially tuna, as well as white meat, roasts, and skewers.

Eloro Eloro DOC is a specialty from the southeastern part of the island, particularly in the provinces of Ragusa and Siracusa. Crafted from grape varieties like Nero d’Avola, Pignatello, and Frappato, it's considered one of the freshest and most vibrant wines in Southern Italy. Locals and tourists often enjoy it with dishes like pasta with meat sauce, ragù, or grilled meat.

Erice Grecanico An authentic delicacy from the village of Erice is Erice Grecanico wine. This wine, primarily made from Grecanico grapes, is known for its delicacy, dry taste, and yellow hue with greenish reflections. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, pasta with sardines, onions, and tuna, as well as desserts like ricotta cannoli and baked cassata.

Menfi Red Menfi red is typical of the areas around Agrigento and Trapani. Once again, Nero d’Avola takes center stage, often accompanied by grapes like Sangiovese and merlot. This wine is known for its deep and intense color, reminiscent of ruby. Its savory and dry taste pairs wonderfully with cured meats, meats, and various cheeses.

Marsala The city of Marsala is famous for its attractions, including its gastronomic heritage. Marsala wines pair perfectly with desserts, whether spoon-based or with chocolate chips.

Santa Margherita di Belice White Santa Margherita di Belice is a light white wine ideal for appetizers and aperitifs. It pairs well with grilled fish, a common feature in Sicilian restaurants, and pasta with sardines, a local specialty. Discover more on ItalianWineLover.

Salaparuta White Salaparuta white is perfect for accompanying semi-hard and soft cheeses, ricotta, and other dairy products. It also pairs well with shellfish, mollusks, salads, and side dishes made with eggplant and broccoli. Its notable characteristics include a refined structure, a dry taste, and a faintly floral fragrance.

Etna Red Etna red is an authentic Sicilian specialty, an ancient wine that remains one of the most famous in the region. Its bouquet boasts notes of wild berries, strawberries, and vanilla, while the overall taste is sweet yet deep, with shades ranging from reddish to violet. Etna red pairs wonderfully with meat dishes, whether first or second courses, such as ragù and aged cheeses, as well as tomato-based spaghetti.