Far from the spotlight of Mount Etna and the coast, central-western Sicily is experiencing a period of extraordinary growth in quality. In the areas around Monreale, the Belice Valley, and the County of Sclafani, Catarratto, Perricone, and Nero d’Avola are being reinterpreted thanks to cool terroirs, favorable altitudes, and producers who are redefining the winemaking identity of this part of the island.
I am fascinated by the potential of central-western Sicily—the region of the mountains, the Belice Valley, Monreale, the Piana degli Albanesi, and Sclafani, where the landscape is largely untouched by human activity and flora and fauna dominate the view, evoking the image of untamed nature and its wine treasures—still hidden, underappreciated, and almost forgotten for far too long.
The Revival of Historic Grape Varieties
Catarratto, Perricone, and the Underrated Nero d’Avola Under the expert care of enlightened owners and highly skilled technicians, they are undergoing their transformation from caterpillars into dazzling butterflies. They come from places you wouldn’t expect to be in Sicily—cool and breezy, with significant daily temperature fluctuations and no water supply issues, thanks to existing reservoirs or those currently under construction.
I would also like to mention the efforts of certain producers who, for example, in the Monreale DOC region, have revolutionized the production regulations by focusing primarily on Perricone and Catarratto.
These reflections stem from my most recent trip to these places, which took place during Sicilia en Primeur in mid-May, an event that offers the chance to taste more than 300 wines, meet members from across the region, and take tours of the various areas.
Five Wines You Won’t Want to Miss
From my latest travels, I’d like to highlight a few truly exceptional wines, many of which are offered at attractive prices.
Monreale Bianco Mandranova 2024 Alessandro di Camporeale 
Score: 96/100
Estimated price: €22
100% Catarratto. Aged on the lees in stainless steel for 12 months, with a variable portion aged in tonneau. Bright straw yellow. Notes of chalk, fennel, yellow floral aromas, and lavender; intense and crisp. A lively, savory, and fresh palate with a beautiful progression leading to an exuberant, fresh, youthful finish with great length.
Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte Tenuta Regaleali 2022 Tasca d’Almerita
Score: 97/100
Approximate price: €45
55% Nero d’Avola, 45% Perricone from the San Lucio vineyard. Aged in barriques and tonneaux for about 24 months. Classic ruby red. A broad bouquet with notes of plum, dark floral aromas, spices, and forest, with a hint of smokiness. Dense, juicy texture with youthful yet well-integrated tannins, leading to a finish of rare balance and persistence.
Sicilia Nero d’Avola Vrucara 2022 Feudo Montoni
Score: 95/100
Estimated price: €30
100% Nero d’Avola. Aged in concrete for 36 months, then in medium-sized barrels. Classic ruby red. Intense bouquet of red fruit, autumnal undergrowth, plum, and violet flowers. Refined structure with well-defined tannins and an elegant, dynamic progression. Intense and lively finish.
Monreale Granmassenti 2022 Feudo Disisa
Score: 95/100
Estimated price: €19
100% Perricone. 18 months in tonneau barrels. Deep ruby red. On the nose, notes of dark fruit, spices, turmeric, licorice, and an autumn forest. An intense palate with an elegant, juicy progression, featuring well-integrated, youthful tannins that do not detract from the beautifully persistent finish.
Sicilia Valledolmo County of Sclafani Bianco Riserva Shiarà 2023, Castellucci Miano
Score: 95/100
Approximate price: € 60
100% Catarratto. Stainless steel, 18 months on the lees. Pale straw yellow with greenish highlights. An elegant nose of gooseberries, young fennel, lantana flowers, and citron zest. A vertical, agile, and very flavorful structure with a lively and energetic progression. The finish is excellent—very sharp and persistent.
