Postcards from Sicily

Bruce White
Oct 28
3 min read

Wine Vibes in Mt. Etna, Sicily

Ancient Roots

So, wine in the Mt. Etna area has been a thing for ages! Thanks to Sicily's volcanic soil and awesome weather, it was a perfect spot for growing grapes. The Greeks rolled in around the 8th century BC and were among the first to plant vines here, totally seeing the potential for some top-notch wine.

Roman Good Times

Fast forward to the Roman Empire, and wine production really took off. Sicilian wine was a big hit with the Romans, who shipped it all over their empire. The rich volcanic soils of Mt. Etna helped different grape varieties flourish, and winemaking techniques got a nice little upgrade during this time.

Medieval Cheers

In the Middle Ages, Mt. Etna was buzzing with wine production. The region became famous for its unique wines, thanks to monasteries that kept the wine-making knowledge alive and kicking. Plus, local nobles got in on the action, investing in vineyards and mixing it up with different wine styles.

Modern Comeback

The 19th century wasn't so kind to Sicilian wine, with issues like phylloxera hitting hard. But by the late 20th century, Mt. Etna was back in the game! Innovative winemakers started to explore the area’s unique vibes, bringing back local grape varieties like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.

Today's Wine Scene

Now, Mt. Etna is a big deal in the wine world, known for its high-altitude vineyards and volcanic soils. The wines here, especially the reds from Nerello Mascalese, are praised for their depth and minerality. The region's gained a ton of recognition, drawing in wine lovers and critics from all over the globe.

Wrapping It Up

The story of wine in Mt. Etna, Sicily, is a mix of cultural influences and winemaking advancements. From the ancient Greeks to today’s innovative winemakers, this region keeps celebrating its roots while pushing the envelope in wine quality and creativity.

History of Marsala Wine in Sicily

Ancient Beginnings

Marsala, a town on Sicily's west coast, has been into winemaking since way back in ancient times. The Greeks and Romans were growing vineyards there, thanks to the fertile land that was perfect for producing all sorts of wine.

16th Century: The Rise of Marsala Wine

In the 16th century, Marsala started getting noticed as a wine hotspot. The English were some of the first to really get into Marsala wine, especially once trade routes were set up.

18th Century: Fortification and Export

In the 18th century, English merchants, especially John Woodhouse, came up with the idea of fortifying Marsala wine. They started exporting it to England by adding distilled spirits, which made it last longer and taste even better. This move was key in making Marsala a hit as a fortified wine.

19th Century: Commercial Success

By the 19th century, Marsala wine was a big deal in the international market. New producers popped up, and the wine was known for its quality. Introducing different styles like dry and sweet made it even more popular.

20th Century: Regulation and Recognition

In 1969, Marsala wine got Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status, setting rules to keep its quality and authenticity intact. This helped preserve traditional winemaking and boosted its global reputation.

Modern Era: Global Appreciation

Today, Marsala wine is loved worldwide for its unique flavors and versatility. It's a favorite in cooking, especially in Italian dishes, and also enjoyed as a sipping wine. The region keeps producing top-notch Marsala, holding onto its historical importance in the wine world.

Conclusion

The story of Marsala wine shows its journey from ancient times to becoming a globally loved fortified wine. Its special production methods and rich history keep it popular to this day. Marsala should be on your travel plan when visiting Sicily.