Sardinia’s and Sicily's strategic importance can not be overstated. This has led to many an invasion which inturn has given Sicily and Sardinia many cultural influences. Even with these influences, they have both maintained a long distinct history of wine making. Periodic isolation and climate have been the main reasons for this autonomy, but a stubborn attitude to change has also helped keep their wines original.

Sardinians have been making wine since the 8th century B.C., when they were introduced to vinification by the Phoenicians. It was not until the 13th century with the arrival of the Spanish that Sardinian wine took a turn for the better. This Spanish influence shows even today in their wines. The grapes grown in Sardinia are a mix of old and new world. While the native red Cannonau (Similar to Spanish Granacha) and the whites Vernaccia di Oristano and Vermentino are wildly used, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot are becoming more common.

Sicily is "the image" of the Mediterranean; vineyards, olive trees, rugged coastlines and sun, symbolize the romance of Sicilian life. Sicily is Italy's second largest producer of wine (behind Apulia) and has the largest amount of vineyards. Oddly though, Sicily has Italy's lowest per capita wine consumption. Sicily's history is partially responsible for this contradiction. During the Roman rule, Julias Ceasar had many of the vineyards ripped out and replanted with grain fields. Then, during the Moorish occupation wine was taboo, so the grapes were mainly used for making raisins. For many years Sicily's reputation was built on sweet wines like Marsala, not until recently has Sicily started to be recognized for quality dry red and white wines. As with Sardinia, Sicily still remains true to many of the native grapes. Catarratto Bianco, a grape prominent in Marsala is the most commonly planted vine in Sicily. The Calabrese grape is the most commonly used grape to make quality dry red wines. In addition, there are about 50 different recognized varieties of grapes grown in Sicily.

Climate and Geography

Both Sardinia and Sicily boast warm, sunny Mediterranean weather. Both also tend to have extended periods of draught. Most of Sardinia is covered with rugged hills and mountains (85% of the Island), with the majority of the vineyards planted in the flatlands of Campidano. Sardinia is constantly subjected to strong winds, so "aberello" low trailing style pruning techniques are used so the vines are not broken and damaged. Sicily is not as rugged as Sardinia, but does have its share of hilly terrain. Sicily tends to be hotter and drier than Sardinia, so irrigation is commonly used in the vineyards. The largest production of grapes is in the western region around Marsala and Alcamo.

Trends

The popularity of Marsala has decreased over the years, but Sicily is trying to revive its sales with more production of the increasingly popular Marsala Vergines, a lighter, longer aged Marsala. Meanwhile, Sicily continues to strive for increasingly higher quality wines. Sardinia has shown great promise in the production of very good wines. Using non-traditional grapes like Cabernet, blended with some of the older varieties, it has drawn interest from the consumers of fine wines. As Sardinia practices better growing techniques (ie. cultivation of the hill sides), and maintains consistent commitment to good wine making techniques, their popularity is sure to grow.