Last but not least, a trip to the final
two regions of this series of Italy's
Best 20 Wine Regions to Visit and Enjoy,
are the islands of Sicily and Sardinia,
who epitomise the two extremes of
italian wines and winemaking.
The two islands of Italy are very different to one another in many ways,
and yet both produce very high quality
wines.
Sicily could be described as the
extrovert, with Sardinia being the
introvert. So, what is it that makes them so
different to one another?
Before you find out, you may want to
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introduction to the dolce vita.... even sweeter! And as a double bonus, look
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to help wind up this series of Italy's
Best 20 Wine Regions to Visit and Enjoy.
Firstly, although both Sicily and Sardinia are about
the same size of about 25 000 km2,
Sardinia is less populated with just
under 2 million inhabitants, compared to
over 5 million in Sicily. And this might account for the fact that
Sardinia is regarded as being more up-market, compared to Sicily,
The capital, Cagliari, is regarded as a
trendy city
with chic and expensive restaurants,
whilst the island itself has some of the
best sandy beaches in the world. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is more
frayed around the edges, and is more like the bustling and busy
cities on the mainland - dusty and chaotic - but with charming
villages and historic ruins. Sicily is also forged with an ancient
Greek influence, so on to the first island and region....
#1. Sicily - this is the southern-most wine region of the country,
and the largest island of the Mediterranean -
hot and bright sunshine, with a moderate
amount of rainfall, provide near perfect
conditions to grow vines, so it's not surprising to recognise the
importance of wine production to the
island.
Sicily is home to the famous dessert
wine, Masala.
More land, than in any other region, is
devoted to growing vines.
However, age-old traditions abound,
producing red wines such as Nero d'Avola
and white wines like Catarratto. Pasta alla Norma is a popular local pasta
dish, whilst the sweet pastry of cannoli, the
staple diet of the doctor in the
Inspector Montalbano detective series
is one of Sicily's better known exports. Eat these and other delicious Sicilian
dishes with a glass or two of Catarratto
white wine -
especially with friends.; #2. Sardinia. Not noted for its wine
producing qualities, Sardinia still produces local white wine
such as Naragus and Nasco, as well as Vermintino and Muscat Blanc.
Cannonau is the main red wine, produced
from the grape of the same name,
which accounts for about one-third of
the island's wine production.
One interesting aspect of Sardinian wines is the Spanish influence on
Cannonau and Vermentino. The climate and geography of Sardinia is
perfect for producing wines, but the region is a bit laid back in its
attitude towards the wine industry. Fish plays a prominent part in the food
of Sardinia, so a Spaghetti aile Vongole
matched with one of the local Nuragas or
Nasco white wines goes well. Now, for that Special Guide entitled: How
to Create Your Italian Experience, we referred to earlier. Just click on the
url link in the Description box below
this video.
Plus, please leave a positive comment
below and then
please share with friends, too. Enjoy! Keep a lookout, too, for a bonus video
being uploaded to this channel soon, that will itself include a free
download to help you plan your exciting
trips and visits to Italy,
to take full advantage of Italy's 20
wine regions and culinary delights.
Finally, before you go, check out the
videos about to come up on the End
Screen, where you can find more helpful
information to help you with your
adventures as an expat in Italy.
Until next time...... ciao for now!
 
