Today, our journey to discover some of the best food and wine pairings leads us to Sicily. This beating heart of the Mediterranean is also its biggest island and home to countless recipes and dishes, all integral parts of traditional Italian cuisine. Sicilian food and wine traditions witnessed the influence of several cultures, including Arab, Greek and Spanish among others. This powerful blend of cultures and histories led over the years to one of the most interesting Italian regions and an irreplaceable location for all food and wine lovers.
While Sicilian food is unapologetically hearty and homely, void of excessive structures and boldly simple and delicious, Sicilian wine shines of a much subtler complexity, in light of a unique and peculiar terroir. The active Etna volcano and the hot but lush microclimate of this incredible island all contribute to the birth of special Sicilian wine, some of which we will encounter today. Without further ado, let’s embark on the nearest ferry and take a short but delicious trip to Sicily, the sun-kissed island.
Arancini - Sicilian Street Food and Wine
Arancini embody the absolute essence of Sicilian food or, more specifically, Sicilian street food. This warm and satisfying bun of coated, deep-fried rice is filled with the most delicious mozzarella, ham or “ragù” style minced meat, for a starter almost as filling as a main course. Arancini are best enjoyed ready-made and eaten while strolling along the bustling streets of Palermo or sitting on a bench admiring the unforgettable Sicilian coast. No food and wine tour of Sicily can truly begin without the first bite of an arancino. While traditionally round and ball-shaped, in eastern Sicily, they take on the shape of the iconic Etna volcano, with its conical form.
As mentioned before, Sicilian food owes a great debt to the colonizing but polarizing cultures that left their marks on the island. Arancini could be the remnant of a Levantine-inspired recipe of Arab descent. Nonetheless, this Sicilian food has certainly expanded into other regions as well and can be found in different shapes and forms as street food in the cities of Rome or Naples. Ultimately it is a traditional southern Italian food and one that can’t be missed on any food and wine tours of Sicily.
Our recommended Sicily food and wine pairing
Let’s start the best possible way and mention the Sicilian wine by definition, Nero d’Avola. It is arguably the most important Sicilian wine and also one of the more recognizable indigenous Italian grapes. Owing to the climate of the Sicilian island, this grape grows favourably in warm and dry environments, producing a very full-bodied wine which retains its flavour on the tongue for a very long time. The reason why this Sicilian wine pairs so well with most Sicilian food, but especially Arancini, is its firmness and structure. It gives it the necessary strength to balance the mix of oily, meaty and savoury flavours of the filling. A must-try combination on your next food and wine tour of Sicily.
Pasta alla Norma - Catania’s Main Course
Pasta alla Norma is the most important Sicilian food in the eastern city of Catania, in the shade of the Etna volcano. It is so important there that it was chosen as the city’s representative recipe and is beloved and respected by all. This hearty pasta dish traditionally consists of maccheroni seasoned with tomato sauce and enriched with fried aubergines, salty ricotta and a healthy dose of basil. While not the lightest of pastas, this Sicilian food is cheesy, savoury and extremely satisfying, with the strong aroma of aubergine perfectly mixing with the light tomato sauce and the fresh ricotta.
The name “Pasta alla Norma” hails from different possible origins. Some claim it was chosen in honour of the famous opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania in 1801.
Others more generically point to the direct translation of the name, which in Italian means “properly”, resulting thus in a dish humbly called “pasta made properly”.
Regardless of its name, this Sicilian food remains iconic within Italian cuisine and it is widely accepted as one of those stereotypical “grandma home-made” recipes, being cemented as a pillar of true Sicilian cuisine.
Our recommended Sicily food and wine pairing
Stepping into white Sicilian wine territory, our recommended pick for the perfect wine pairing with Pasta alla Norma is a fresh glass of “Bianco di San Lorenzo” a balanced white born of a very traditional Sicilian grape such as the Inzolla and a northern Italian grape, the sturdy Manzoni grape. The result is a Sicilian wine which succeeds in being delicate and strong at the same time, cutting the edges of an exact flavour identity. The freshness and light body characteristics of this Sicilian wine play the perfect role when paired with the demanding aromas of aubergine and tomato, sprinkled with a musty and salty slice of Ricotta cheese. A great seasonal combination for the summer.
Swordfish Rolls - Mediterranean Food and Wine
“Involtini di Pesce spada” or Swordfish rolls are a traditional second-course Sicilian food enjoyed all over Sicily but especially near the city of Messina, where Swordfish fishing is most common and rooted in history. The dish consists of sliced swordfish filled with breadcrumbs, raisins and pine nuts. Laurel leaves are then added for extra flavour and the dish is often oven baked or sometimes cooked in a pan with extra virgin olive oil. The Palermo variant calls for similar filling ingredients to those of other dishes and thus includes cheese such as pecorino goat cheese.
Swordfish rolls are the perfect Sicilian food for the summer. They combine the fresh seasonality of the fish with a satisfying and flavourful filling, able to balance the natural fattiness of the fish.
Our recommended Sicily food and wine pairing
Sicilian wine in its white variant of “Diodoro” comes again to the rescue and provides a great combination of flavour and structure for this culinary pair. Swordfish carries all the typical fattiness of fish, even though the oven cooking and the fresh ingredients and spices help mitigate the intense taste. Diodoro is a light white wine, but the fragrances of fruits such as peach and apricot harmonize well with the fish, especially during the summer season in warmer temperatures.
A Fish Worthy of Epics
Picture a hazy summer midday, sitting at the tables of a quaint seaside Sicilian restaurant, tasting a light and delicious bite of freshly cooked swordfish while enjoying the refreshing breeze of the Mediterranean wind.
Enchanting, right? Well, chances are that ancient Sicilians from over 2000 years ago might have experienced a very similar feeling as we do today.
Swordfish have been fished in the strait of Messina since truly ancient times, and the practice is well documented even in the Mythos of the Odyssey, the epic tale of the hero Ulysses.
Caponata - Best Sicilian Side Course and Wine
Discover now yet another Sicilian food and wine culinary gem: Caponata, an irresistible treat of seasonal aubergine. This iconic dish embodies the island's vibrant flavours and varied cultural heritage, owing its origin to the many influences the island enjoyed throughout history. Caponata is a rich combination of roasted eggplants, tangy tomatoes, olives, and briny capers that work perfectly together. Each bite of Caponata contains a delicious balance of sweet and sour notes, creating a flavour that will truly transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed coasts of Sicily. Caponata is also a versatile Sicilian food that can be enjoyed as a spread on crusty bread or as a mouthwatering side course alongside grilled fish or meat. It has a velvety texture and a satisfying blend of extra-virgin olive oil and just a drop of vinegar.
Our recommended Sicily food and wine pairing
Together with Caponata, we are going to taste another staple red Sicilian wine from the unique Etna terroir, “Etna Rosso”. This red wine, hailing from the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, boasts a unique character derived from the volcanic soil it's grown in. The wine's delicate tannins and vibrant acidity beautifully complement the medley of flavours in Caponata, creating a harmonious union on your palate. It is especially the Etna Rosso's subtle hints of red fruit and spice that provide a delightful contrast to the sweet and sour elements of the dish. This Sicilian wine will make every sip and bite a great sensory experience.
Cannoli - The Sweetest Sicilian Food for wine
Our latest stop in this meaningful culinary trip around the island of Sicily has to be Cannoli, the beloved pastry that has captured the hearts and palates of dessert lovers worldwide cementing the fame of Sicilian desserts.
Hailing mainly from Palermo and Messina but produced all over Sicily, Cannoli are delicate, crispy shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese filling.
This sweet Sicilian food can be infused with aromas and hints of citrus zest, vanilla, and sometimes a touch of cinnamon, enriching the filling with a delightful fragrance. To add a finishing touch, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a scattering of crunchy pistachios or chocolate chips adorn both ends, adding a pleasant crunch and colourful appeal.
This extra sweet treat was once made on the occasion of the Carnival, but it has long since become a staple in all seasons and is appreciated by tourists and locals aside. Cannoli should be eaten fresh and ready-made so that the outer shell can maintain its crispiness and flavour.
Tradition tells us the name “Cannolo” derives from the river canes which were used originally to give shape to the thin dough before it was fried.
Our recommended Sicily food and wine pairing
Sweet Sicilian wine for sweet Sicilian food: “Marsala Superiore” will accompany your Cannoli and conclude a glorious meal with the kindest touch on your palate. This fortified wine from the region of Marsala in Sicily is the perfect companion to the indulgent flavours of the Cannoli. Marsala is beautifully golden, can’t be lower than 18% gradation and is dry but sweet, with a beautiful light body and notes of dried fruit, figs and almonds.
The Best Food and Wine Tours in Sicily
Saturday Lunch in the Organic Farm | Wine Tour and Tasting at Augustali
📍Palermo, Sicily
Become part of the Augustali family for a day and experience a traditional family saturday lunch, immersed in the beauty of this Sicilian countryside winery. Sicilian food and wine will surprise you in an all-around tasting experience sure to capture your palate.
Visiting and Wine Tasting at Abbazia Santa Anastasia
📍Contrada Santa Anastasia, Italy
Explore this Benedictine monastery and become part of an ancient tradition of Sicilian food and wine. Their restaurant will let you combine a great wine tasting into a true food and wine tour of Sicily.
Volcanic Walk and Wine Tour Combo
📍Catania, Italy
Few Terroirs are as unique as the Etna terroir, allowing the production of Premium Sicilian wine and food in the shade of an active volcano. Don't let Etna scare you and come along this Sicily food and wine guided tour.
Wine Tasting and Dinner at Tonnino Baglio Ceuso
📍Trapani, Sicily
The best premium indigenous grapes and wines are absolute protagonists of this incredible Sicilian food and wine experience. Be ready to experience Sicilian Grillo, macerated Pinot Gris and of course Nero d'Avola, king of the Sicilian reds. Several local delicacies will be paired with the perfect glass. Sicily on your table.
