Sicily’s diversity is driven by scale, altitude and grape choice. This episode links hot lowland conditions and high yields to inexpensive wines, while showing how Etna’s altitude, volcanic soils and old vines transform Nerello Mascalese and Carricante into premium, age-worthy wines. Listen carefully to how extraction decisions, yield limits and extended ageing explain Etna’s quality and pricing compared to wider Sicilia DOC wines.
Sardinia illustrates how climate stress, wind and old bush vines influence Mediterranean wine styles. This episode highlights how yield control and ageing requirements elevate Cannonau, Vermentino and Carignano from everyday wines to premium expressions. Note how Superiore and DOCG rules translate directly into concentration, structure and price, and how the island is shifting away from bulk identity toward varietal distinction. Alongside the headline grapes, Monica and Nuragus are grown mainly for local consumption, reinforcing that the island still has a strong internal market for simpler, everyday wines even as it builds a sharper export identity.
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You’ll find the complete list of episodes, organized in syllabus order, here:
https://thesommpour.substack.com/p/wset-diploma-d3-wines-of-the-world
