Next time you are having a seafood dish and want to try something new, look to the island of Sicily for a refreshing change of pace. Sicily (Sicilia in Italian) is a region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sicily is located off the southern tip of the “toe” of Italy’s boot-shaped landscape. Although I’ve had wines from Sicily recently, like Nero d’Avola and Inzolia, I was delighted to try a new varietal (for me) from this region.

While searching for the perfect wine to pair with grilled scallops over field greens and fried calamari, I was introduced to the Valle Dell’Acate 2010 Il Frappato (Vittoria Frappato D.O.C). Made from 100% Frappato, the wine is light ruby in color, with lots of red and dark fruit aromas on the nose – with just a hint of spice. On the palate, a refreshing mix of red and dark fruit flavors, some floral notes, and an “easy as Sunday morning” tannin structure. Enjoy the Valle Dell’Acate 2010 Il Frappato with seafood, lighter pasta dishes and gourmet pizza.