🍇 Lesser-Known Sicilian Indigenous Grapes: From Frappato to Nero d’Avola
When we talk about Sicilian wines, names like Marsala or Nero d’Avola often come up. But behind the headlines lies a complex world of indigenous grape varieties—some delicate, some powerful, all deeply rooted in the island’s sun-drenched terroir.
While Etna might steal the show with its volcanic wines and Marsala conquered British palates, there’s a quiet revolution happening. Native varieties like Frappato and a renewed appreciation for Nero d’Avola are reshaping what it means to drink Sicilian.
At Sicilian NQ, we believe in pouring stories into every glass. Here’s what you need to know about two grapes that embody the true soul of Sicily.
🍓 Frappato – The Light, Floral Rebel
Often overshadowed by bolder reds, Frappato is a revelation for those who crave elegance and freshness. This light-bodied grape thrives in southeastern Sicily, especially around Vittoria, where sandy soils and sea breezes give it a bright, perfumed character.
Key characteristics:
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Aromas: Red cherry, raspberry, violet, white pepper, and herbal notes
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Body: Light to medium, with zesty acidity and silky tannins
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Serving ideas: Slightly chilled with pasta alla Norma or Sicilian caponata
Winemakers like Arianna Occhipinti and Santa Tresa have brought Frappato back into the spotlight, crafting pure expressions that are both joyful and age-worthy. According to La Cucina Italiana, a 100% Frappato by Manenti is “absolutely gorgeous” in its balance and longevity (source).
👉 Want to know more about the DOCG blend Frappato is part of? Discover Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily’s only DOCG.
🍷 Nero d’Avola – The Bold Signature
Known as the “black grape of Avola”, Nero d’Avola is the most planted red grape in Sicily—and for good reason. Rich, structured, and spicy, it captures the intense sunlight and mineral-rich soils of Sicily’s southeast and central regions.
What to expect:
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Aromas: Black plum, tobacco, pepper, licorice, dark chocolate
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Style: From bold and full-bodied to medium and elegant, depending on winemaking choices
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Best with: Eggplant parmigiana, lentil stew, or aged cheese
This variety once powered Sicily’s bulk wine trade but is now taking center stage in terroir-driven wines. Wineries are experimenting with organic farming, low intervention techniques, and oak aging to bring out Nero d’Avola’s full potential (source).
💡 Learn more in our article: Etna: Wine, Lava, and Legend
🍷🍓 The Perfect Duo: Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Combine the floral freshness of Frappato with the richness of Nero d’Avola, and you get Cerasuolo di Vittoria—Sicily’s only DOCG wine. The blend is typically 50–70% Nero d’Avola and 30–50% Frappato, depending on the producer.
What emerges is a vibrant, juicy red that’s aromatic, complex, and incredibly food-friendly. It’s a wine that embodies harmony: power meets grace.
Notable producers include COS, Planeta and Donnafugata, who continue to shape Sicily’s global wine identity with modern takes on ancient grapes.
👉 Also check out: Marsala: The Wine That Conquered the British Empire
🌍 Why These Grapes Matter Today
In a global wine scene dominated by Cabernet, Syrah, and Pinot, Sicily’s indigenous grapes are more relevant than ever. They offer:
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Authenticity: Varieties you won’t find anywhere else
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Sustainability: Adapted to local climate, requiring fewer interventions
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Heritage: Thousands of years of history in every bottle
As The Guardian recently noted, a new generation of winemakers is “redefining what Sicilian wine can be” by focusing on local varieties that speak to place and people (source).
🍽️ Discover Sicily by the Glass (in Manchester)
At Sicilian NQ, we don’t just serve Sicilian food—we celebrate Sicilian identity. Ask our team about wine pairings with:
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Our vegan aubergine parmigiana (Frappato goes beautifully!)
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Cannoli and pistachio tarts (pair with a chilled Zibibbo—coming soon!)
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Traditional arancini with rich tomato sauces (Nero d’Avola is your match)
Explore more Sicilian stories here:
✨ Conclusion
Sicily’s lesser-known grapes are anything but minor. They offer a kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors, and stories—ready to be explored in every glass. Whether you’re a wine geek or a curious sipper, Frappato and Nero d’Avola are your tickets to a deeper Sicily.
Join us at Sicilian NQ to raise a glass to tradition, terroir, and taste.
