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Wine Press: Exceptional red wines from Sicily

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/16/wine-press-exceptional-red-wines-from-sicily.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 11:54 GMT by MassLive
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Sicily’s Red Wines Take Center Stage in New Press Release

MassLive Entertainment, September 2025 – In an exciting development for both domestic wine‑lovers and international connoisseurs, a fresh press release has spotlighted a collection of “exceptional” red wines hailing from the sun‑kissed hills of Sicily. The announcement, which appears on MassLive’s entertainment page, has drawn attention to a handful of boutique producers that are redefining the island’s reputation as a serious player in the global red‑wine market. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key points, tasting notes, and industry implications, as well as the links that led to further context within the original article.

1. The Press Release in a Nutshell

The article opens with a straightforward, yet compelling statement: “Sicily’s red wines have entered a new era of quality and distinction.” The press release, distributed by the Sicilian Wine Promotion Agency (SWPA), showcases six flagship labels that were recently awarded top honors at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in Bordeaux. These include:

1. Cavallo Nero – Nero d’Avola
2. Vita Sarda – Frappato & Nero d’Avola Blend
3. Etna Rosso – Montepulciano & Nerello Mascalese
4. Sicilian Sunset – Aglianico di Lucania
5. Sulla Vena – Barbera
6. Terra di Vino – Cabernet Sauvignon & Sangiovese Blend

The press release cites the producers’ commitment to sustainable viticulture, meticulous hand‑harvest, and the use of state‑of‑the‑art stainless‑steel presses that preserve the aromatic integrity of each grape variety.

2. Why Sicily?

Sicily’s red‑wine scene is often eclipsed by its famed sparkling offerings and white varietals. The article delves into the island’s unique terroir—volcanic soils around Mount Etna, Mediterranean microclimates, and a long tradition of grafting indigenous grapes onto Vitis vinifera roots. These factors contribute to wines with pronounced mineral undertones, a crisp acidity, and a lingering finish that sets them apart from continental counterparts.

A link to a 2023 Wine & Spirits Journal profile of Sicilian vineyards explains how the combination of high-altitude vineyards and late‑season harvests allows the grapes to retain natural sugars while developing complex flavor profiles.

3. Tasting Notes and Production Highlights

The piece provides a side‑by‑side tasting guide for each wine, drawing on input from a panel of five accredited sommeliers. Highlights include:

• Cavallo Nero: Dark plum, hints of espresso, and a robust tannic backbone with a velvety finish.
• Vita Sarda: Bright cherry, subtle spice, and a silky mouthfeel; the Frappato contributes bright acidity.
• Etna Rosso: Smoky undertones, a touch of green pepper, and a lingering mineral aftertaste—characteristic of volcanic terroir.
• Sicilian Sunset: Deep ruby color, blackberry, and a faint pepper‑corn note, followed by a graceful tannin structure.
• Sulla Vena: Lively, with red berry fruit, a splash of orange zest, and an oak‑cured finish.
• Terra di Vino: Rich, with layered dark fruit, chocolate, and a long, balanced finish.

Each entry includes a suggested food pairing: from grilled lamb to aged pecorino, reinforcing the versatility of Sicilian reds.

4. Industry and Economic Impact

The article emphasizes that the SWPA’s initiative is not merely a marketing exercise; it is part of a larger strategy to boost tourism, create jobs, and diversify Sicily’s agrarian economy. By securing top rankings at IWSC, the island’s wine producers have positioned themselves to attract wine‑tourism to lesser‑known valleys such as the Val di Noto and the Madonie mountain range. An embedded link to a Financial Times piece on “Wine as a Growth Engine in Southern Italy” underscores this point.

5. Where to Find Them

The press release lists distribution partners and shipping policies. For consumers in the United States, the article provides links to Vinexpo America (the exclusive importer) and to a dedicated e‑commerce portal where limited‑edition bottles can be pre‑ordered. The portal features a live inventory tracker and a subscription service that delivers a new Sicilian red each month.

For those who prefer to buy in person, the article lists the following tasting rooms scheduled for the upcoming October festival in Taormina:

• Cavallo Nero Estate – 10 am to 4 pm, September 30
• Etna Rosso Cellars – 11 am to 5 pm, October 2

The article also links to the official Sicilian Wine & Food Festival website, where tickets and itineraries can be purchased.

6. Voices from the Vineyard

A key feature of the piece is the inclusion of interview snippets from the winemakers themselves:

“We’re not just following the market; we’re redefining it,” says Giorgio Rossi, founder of Cavallo Nero. “The stainless‑steel press allows us to capture the nuance of each grape without compromising the natural flavor.”

“Our blend of Nerello Mascalese and Montepulciano showcases what Etna terroir can truly deliver—complexity with a distinct, earthy signature,” explains Luca Bianchi, winemaker at Etna Rosso.

The article provides direct links to short video interviews hosted on YouTube, where the winemakers walk viewers through the production process, from vine pruning to bottling.

7. A Call to Action

MassLive’s piece closes with a call to readers: “Discover Sicily’s new red‑wine renaissance this fall. Taste the terroir, support local growers, and experience the passion behind every bottle.” The article encourages engagement via a dedicated hashtag, #SicilianRedRevolution, and invites readers to share their tasting experiences on social media.

In Summary

MassLive’s coverage of the SWPA’s press release brings to light a watershed moment for Sicilian red wines. By detailing the wines’ award credentials, tasting characteristics, and broader economic impact, the article offers a holistic view of why these varietals deserve a place on the international stage. Coupled with direct links to tasting rooms, winemakers, and industry analyses, it serves as a gateway for both casual wine aficionados and seasoned sommeliers to explore Sicily’s vibrant red‑wine landscape. Whether you’re planning a wine‑tour, looking to diversify your cellar, or simply curious about what makes Sicilian reds unique, the article and its linked resources provide everything you need to dive in.