Azienda Agricola Cortese is one of Sicily's most exciting modern estates, located in the heart of the Vittoria region in south-east Sicily.

Acquired by Stefano Girelli in 2016, the winery has quickly established a reputation for producing authentic wines from indigenous Sicilian grape varieties using a thoughtful blend of traditional and contemporary winemaking techniques.

Certified organic vineyards are farmed with great respect, allowing each variety to express its unique character.

The approachable Cortese Nostru range celebrates Sicily's native grapes with freshness and purity, while the estate's flagship Selezione wines showcase the depth, complexity and remarkable quality that have made Cortese one of the island's most highly regarded producers.

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Known for its abundant sunshine, coastal breezes, and low rainfall, the island provides ideal conditions for sustainable and organic viticulture. Volcanic soils, especially around Mount Etna, add complexity and minerality to the wines, while clay and limestone in other areas support a wide range of grape varieties.

Sicily is home to a mix of indigenous and international grapes. Key native varieties include Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s flagship red, known for its bold fruit, spice, and smooth tannins, and Frappato, which offers light, aromatic reds with floral and red berry notes. On the white side, Grillo, Catarratto, and Carricante produce wines ranging from fresh and citrusy to textured and mineral-driven. Carricante, in particular, thrives on the slopes of Mount Etna, yielding crisp, age-worthy wines.

The island’s wine styles are as diverse as its landscapes—from robust reds and elegant whites to refreshing rosés and traditional sweet wines like Marsala and Passito di Pantelleria. Sicilian wines often showcase vibrant acidity, sun-ripened fruit, herbal undertones, and a distinct sense of place, making the region a standout in Southern Italy’s wine scene.

Frappato is a distinctive red grape variety native to Sicily, Italy, particularly thriving in the southeastern province of Ragusa and around the town of Vittoria. It is best known as a key component in the DOCG wine Cerasuolo di Vittoria, where it is blended with Nero d’Avola to produce elegant, balanced reds. On its own, Frappato yields light- to medium-bodied wines with vibrant acidity, soft tannins, and expressive aromatics.

Viticulturally, Frappato is relatively hardy and well-suited to Sicily’s warm Mediterranean climate. It ripens late and benefits from well-drained, sandy soils, which help retain its fresh acidity and delicate floral character. The grape is moderately productive and can be sensitive to disease, requiring careful vineyard management.

Though primarily grown in Sicily, small experimental plantings of Frappato can be found in California and Australia, where winemakers are drawn to its aromatic profile and potential for lighter, food-friendly reds.

Frappato wines are typically unoaked or lightly oaked, showcasing bright red fruit flavours—strawberry, cherry, and pomegranate—alongside floral notes and hints of spice. Increasingly popular with lovers of lighter, aromatic reds, Frappato offers a compelling alternative to more tannic or full-bodied varieties, with charm, freshness, and a strong sense of place.