Wine has been a way of life in Sicily for thousands of years. When the Greeks invaded the island in the 8th century BC, they brought their advanced viticulture techniques with them, but the Sicilians had been producing wine long before then. There are several indigenous red grape varieties – the main one is Nero d’Avola, a lively grape with hints of blueberry and wild berries. Then there’s Nerello Mascalese (also found in Calabria), which is believed to have originated on the slopes of Mount Etna; and Frappato, an essential grape in Cerasuolo di Vittoria. Sicil is also home to around 15 white grape varieties, from indigenous vines such as Catarratto, Carricante, Inzolia and Grillo to those international grapes that have been introduced relatively recently, such as Chardonnay, Voignier and Fiano, not forgetting Merlot and Syrah in the red corner.