Siracusa Wine Region Guide

Siracusa wine region is an excellent wine-growing district and is mostly recognized for its muscat-based Moscato wines that share a long rich history. The wine region has been a popular wine-growing district since ancient times and has been one of the significant regions of Sicily. The name “Siracusa” was derived from an ancient local name for water or marshland. Apart from sweet muscat wines, the region also produces Sparkling spumante and dry red table wines which have been quickly gaining popularity and production. The region produces more than 150 hectoliters of wine annually. 

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Where is the Siracusa wine region?

Siracusa wine region is centered around the city of Siracusa, an ancient port city in Sicily with rich Greek and Roman history. The region is often written as Syracuse by the locals. It is located in the southeastern corner of the Sicilian island and serves as an important city with accessibility from Greece, Africa, and Italy. The region is bounded by the Messina Strait from the east and southeast and the Noto wine region from the south and southwest. 

History of the Siracusa wine region

The sweet wines from the Siracusa wine region are commonly compared to the Sicilian wine and Pollio, an ancient Greek sweet wine from Thrace. Southern Sicilian port city Syracuse was formerly known as Thrace. The Corinthian and Tenean peoples of antiquity created Syracuse, which has a 2700-year history and was one of the great Mediterranean naval powers at the time. Moscato Bianco, one of the nation's first white grape varieties, has been farmed in the Siracusa region for more than 2500 years. Because the region's port made wine exporting possible, the wine business grew throughout the area. Under the name Moscato di Siracusa, the wine region received DOC designation in 1973. In 2011, it merged with Siracusa DOC.

The terroir and geography of the Siracusa wine region

The area experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, rainy winters. The last time there was frost or snowfall was in the fall of 2014. During the tourist season, there is an average of 25 degrees Celsius and 526mm of yearly rainfall. The area includes Syracuse's low hills and plains. The Siracusa wine region's soil is made up of clay, limestone, volcanic ashes, and calcareous soil. In Sicily, viticulture has continued to play a significant role over the years. About 21 hectares of vineyards are located in the area.

Popular grape varieties from the Siracusa wine region

The dominant grape varieties in the Siracusa wine region are Moscato, Nero d’Avola, and Syrah. Nero d’Avola is named after the town of Avola, which is located just 25km from the Siracusa coast. The region has been home to Moscato Bianco since ancient times and played a significant role in the wine industry of the region. 

Food to pair with Siracusa wine 

Chicken Tikka

Chicken tikka is an Indian dish that has become popular in many parts of the world. It is made with marinated chicken pieces that are cooked in a tandoor oven or on a grill. The marinade usually consists of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice. The result is tender and juicy chunks of chicken that are bursting with flavor. Chicken tikka can be served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. It pairs well with naan bread, chutney, and raita. Chicken tikka is sure to become a favorite dish for your next gathering!

Kua Kling

Kua Kling is an ancient Thai dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a spicy dish that consists of pork, garlic, and chili paste. The main ingredient in Kua Kling is the pork which is cooked with garlic and chili paste to create a unique flavor. This classic dish has become popular worldwide due to its delicious taste and health benefits. Kua Kling can be served as a main course or as a side dish with rice or noodles. It is also commonly served at parties or special occasions due to its ability to bring people together with its flavorful taste.

Chicken pho

Chicken pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a flavorful and comforting dish with chicken, rice noodles, herbs, and spices. It can be served as a main course or as an appetizer. The broth used to make chicken pho is usually made with ginger, garlic, onions, star anise, and cinnamon for added flavor. Chicken pho can be served with various toppings such as bean sprouts, lime wedges, cilantro, and Thai basil for added flavor. This delicious soup is sure to please any palate!

Places to visit in the Siracusa wine region

Temple of Apollo

In front of Syracuse's Piazza Pancali stands a prominent ancient Greek landmark known as the Temple of Apollo Ruin. It was constructed in the sixth century, and over the years, it underwent numerous alterations. The temple's design was considered innovative for its time. The Apollo Temple was the first structure of its kind to use stones rather than wood. The building was built from local "Pietra giurgiulena" sandstone. There were 46 monolithic columns in the temple, including six in the front with double rows and 17 on the sides. Additionally, there is an inscription in the base that makes it clear that Apollo worship was practiced at the temple.

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On the Ortygia island, in the Piazza Duomo, the historic heart of Syracusa stands this magnificent old church. The cathedral, which is regarded as the most significant church in the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this identical spot, in the fifth century BC, the enormous Greek temple of Athena was erected. The Doric columns from the Greek temple were used to construct the cathedral, which was later transformed into a church with the arrival of Christianity. The church is home to several noteworthy statues and treasures. The cathedral's furnishings came from diverse locations in Italy and beyond. The cathedral has long been seen as a representation of Syracuse's religiosity.

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Frequently asked questions about Siracusa