VINOUS.COM – Sicily Report 2024

Planetas Rosé exudes a fragrant bouquet of freshly cut roses, wild strawberries, pomegranate and wet stone. Silky and smooth on the palate with a savoury, salty mix of mineral apples and pears giving way to pretty inner flowers. Lingers long on the finish, echoing all the fruity and floral notes on the nose and palate. Well done! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Rosé smells of a cascade of wild flowers, lime zest and crushed stone. It opens with a marvellous inner sweetness accompanied by mineral fruit and a hint of acidic citrus. The 2023 rejuvenates with mouthwatering tension. It is crisply refreshing and leaves a lingering savoury aftertaste." Vinous

"A delicious and juicy rosé made of nero d’avola and syrah. Notes of grapefruit, dried oranges and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied, supple and deliciously fruity, with a tangy finish." James Suckling

Bright straw yellow in colour. This pure Grillo has an aroma of citrus, melon and fine herbs. The palate is characterised by present, fresh fruit, very juicy and with a mineral, salty aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, shiny light gold colour. Fragrant nose with aromas of orange blossom, some grapefruit, followed by yellow peach. Opens slightly salty on the palate, straightforward and fresh with a good acidity structure. Lively and juicy. Fresh on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Shamaris is scented with tropical melon, minty herbs and wet stone. It's soft and round, with ripe orchard fruit and pretty flowers gathering over a core of juicy acidity. The 2023 finishes with a crisp feel as notes of lime zest gradually taper off." Vinous

The Sallier de la Tour winery has been owned by the Counts Tasca since 2009, making it the fifth company that complements and characterises the diversity and professionalism of what is probably Sicily's most famous winery.

Aromatic bouquet of sweet cherries and wild berries. Clear on the palate with a beautiful fruit centre and a radiant freshness, appealing finish. A beautiful Syrah that impressively demonstrates Sicily's potential for international grape varieties. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Syrah lifts from the glass with a perfumed blend of rose, violet, lavender, crushed blackberries and hints of white smoke. This is juicy in character and fruit-centric, with an energetic mix of wild berries offset by notes of sour citrus. It finishes with medium length and is quite fresh, leaving just a lick of saline minerality on the close." Vinous

Perfect Sicilian white wine with bestseller status: light and excellently balanced with very delicate acidity. Straw yellow in colour, the aromas are delicate and fruity, with light notes of apple, sliced lemon and banana. Pleasant, clean flavour that finishes with juicy citrus tones and a hint of young mango. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweetly floral, the 2023 Bianco Regaleali impresses with its lifted bouquet of chamomile, yellow apples and confectionery spice. It’s soft and round with a core of zesty acidity to balance. Crisp orchard fruits cascade throughout while hints of candied lime and liquid stone resonate. The 2023 finishes remarkably fresh, potent and long. Very nice." Vinous

Countless lush roses from all over the world grow on the Regaleali estate. This fragrant rosato is a tribute to the roses of Regaleali. Brilliant colour, fruity aroma of strawberries, cherries and mulberries, rich and spicy flavour, fresh, with a certain minerality and a pleasant sapidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry orange, sparkling. Smells of vanilla pod, sugared raspberries and cherries on the nose, with a slight hazelnut cream aftertaste. On the palate with a fine fruit melt and well-integrated acidity, slightly noticeable tannins and a savoury, slightly bitter finish with amarena cherries." Falstaff

"The 2023 Regaleali Le Rose is 100% Nerello Mascalese. It emanates a pretty blend of white strawberry, mint leaf and wet stone. This is zesty and full of energy, with brisk acidity that propels its mineral-laced orchard fruits as hints of sour green melon form toward the close. It tapers off with a salty tension that keeps the mouth watering for more as a tinge of tart lime lingers on." Vinous

Anthilia - a fruity white individualist from Ansonica and Catarratto, round and very fine. The bouquet has aromas of yellow peaches, plums and hints of flowers from the Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, spiciness, fine saltiness and softness merge into a pleasant, flattering unison. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Anthìlia is remarkably pretty, blending white flowers, freshly sliced pears and hints of wet stone. This is silky-smooth with nearly oily textures, offset by a twang of sour citrus and crunchy orchard fruit. The finish is perfumed and crisply refreshing, wrapping things up with a lime and mineral tinge that calls the taster back to the glass." Vinous

Sherazade - a beautiful protagonist from A Thousand and One Nights and a wonderful Nero d'Avola from the south-west of the island, which grows on clay soils. Concentrated ruby red colour, fruity, balsamic aroma with mineral tones, followed by a sweet hint of cocoa. Soft on the palate with memories of sour cherries and blackberries. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Nero d'Avola Sherazade wafts up with a wickedly fresh bouquet of crushed wild berries, violets, sage, white pepper and licorice. This is racy and cool-toned in feel, with juicy acidity and masses of ripe red and blue fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 leaves a staining of primary blackberry concentration, finishing classically with framing tannins that make for a lovely punctuation. This is a wonderfully fresh yet still potent Nero d'Avola." Vinous

"Very typical with lots of sour cherry and crisp lemon zest both on the nose and on the palate. Medium body with bright acidity and a tart finish. Creamy texture. Shows real Nero character." James Suckling

Carmelo Morgante's spicy and dark Nero d'Avola opens with a burst of blood orange, crushed blackberries, balsamic herbs and violet blossom. It is silky smooth yet cool in flavour. Crisp wild berries and tangy citrus fruits form the contrast. A youthful tension unfolds on the palate, while tart cherries and cranberries mingle with sweet tannins. It reveals much more depth, concentration and balance than you would expect for this price.

"The 2021 Nero d'Avola is spicy in the glass, displaying a woodland-inspired blend of mentholated herbs, shaved pine, mandarin and crushed wild berries. This is pleasantly sweet upon entry, with cocoa-tinged red berry fruits complicated by hints of sage and an air of lavender. Staining and potent, the 2021 tapers off with dramatic length, leaving firming tannins and notes of licorice to linger on." Vinous

Nero d'Avola and Syrah from the hills around Monreale, aged briefly in steel and oak barrels. Young vines, freshness on the palate, red cherry, hints of thyme, myrtle and menthol. Juicy and tasty on the palate, with a fruity, oily finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby violet colour. Ripe blackberries, cassis, black pepper on the nose, with a hint of forest floor and preserved plums. Present on the palate, medium tannin and palate pressure, savoury texture, retronasal black cherry, pleasant, round, long-lasting final." Falstaff

"The Benuara 2022, a blend of Nero d'Avola and Syrah, exudes a cascade of dried violets, roses and black cherries accompanied by hints of rosemary and camphor. This wine is elegant and polished, with spicy herbal notes on the attack that give way to an abundance of red and black fruits. The lively acidity maintains balance, while the 2022 finishes with soft tannins and a pleasant bitterness." Vinous

The country dance (controdanza) is a typical dance in which man and woman face each other and unite in graceful movements - depending on their gender, the dancers interpret the music in their own way. This wine is exactly the same: Nero d'Aola and Merlot - opposites attract and, with the right sensitivity, can harmonise and contrast wonderfully.

Strong purple colour. Mulberry and plum contrast with incense and balsamic notes. The grapes all come from chalky soils, which in turn creates a bridge and makes this young wine balanced and harmonious. Soft tannins and a beautifully integrated, delicate acidity carry Controdanza into a supple, medium-length finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby colour with garnet-red reflections. Inviting on the nose, fruity flavours of cherry and wild berries, underpinned by spicy notes. Full fruit on the palate, dense tannins, mouth-filling, juicy with a lingering final." Falstaff

"Fragrant, with floral, spicy and mineral accents, this wine displays a creamy palette of plump cherry and warm fig fruit flavours, enveloping slightly chewy tannins. Fresh, long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of baked cherries, mushrooms, basil and grated nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins. Beautifully ripe red fruits on the palate, with a subtle savoury character. Finishes with vanilla." James Suckling

"The nose starts with a balanced blend of vanilla and herbs, then becomes a little sharper, but remains balanced with flavours of pepper, pencil shavings and black cherries. On the palate, the tension between fruit and earth continues, with the cherries hovering over herbal, umami undertones. The acidity dances past the chewy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Controdanza opens with a burst of wild berries and spices, complicated by chalk dust and hints of crushed violet candies. This is juicy and lively on the palate with vivid wild blueberry fruit and purple/blue inner florals that amass toward the close. It finishes classically dry with a pleasantly bitter tinge, leaving notes of licorice and sage to slowly fade." Vinous

Cerasuolo di Vittoria - an established local red with a great tradition and just as much character. Typical aroma of the wines from Vittoria: Aromas of red berries, cherries, prickly pear, ginger and fruit sweets. Flavoursome, extremely complex, fresh, lively and yet balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a violet shimmer. The bouquet has an intense aroma of ripe raspberries, followed by a spicy flavour with a hint of dark chocolate. Clear and precise on the palate with finesse and elegance, espresso retronasal, well-integrated and fine-grained tannins, medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Notes of juicy cherries and boysenberries are underscored by tar, smoke and grilled herbs in this lively, light to medium-bodied red wine that finishes silky and savoury." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, there are aromas of cherry blossom, raspberry and blood orange, as well as spicy notes of pencil shavings and black tea. On the palate, cherries and raspberries macerate, but the sanguine, almost chalky bitterness of the tea leaves lingers before a salted chocolate finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The peppery and floral Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2022 smells of a spicy blend of crushed wild berries and savoury herbs. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness and crisp red and blue fruits. A tantalising acidity refreshes the palate towards the end. It finishes classically dry, but fresh and floral, leaving a violet finish." Vinous

A zesty white wine with energetic, maritime flavours of citrus, lime and oyster shell. Focussed and long on the palate. The Grillo grape is a cross between Moscato and Catarratto, which explains the variety of aromatic sweetness and mineral finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Grillo SurSur opens with a burst of grapefruit and lime zest complicated by a whiff of savory herbs. This is highly energetic, with a zesty core of acidity and gingery spices propelled by juicy acidity. The SurSur finishes with medium length and a sour citrus resonance, resetting the palate for another tension-filled sip." Vinous

Tasca's Perricone is bright ruby in colour, with hints of red berries, blackberries, cherries and spices, tasting fresh and lively. A fine minerality and a hint of nuts on the final, very long and complex on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, simple and floral bouquet with notes of quince, baked cherries, cranberries and violets. Fleshy and medium to full-bodied on the palate with soft tannins and a round, fruity finish. Simple, generous and convivial." James Suckling

"This rare varietal Perricone, from vines growing at 480 metres above sea level in the province of Palermo, is bright and herbal with bitter black fruits. Intense and juicy, it has a balsamic edge and fine, sandy tannins." Decanter

"The Perricone Guarnaccio 2021 is perfumed with a dusty blend of black cherries, liquorice and sage. It glides across the palate like pure silk, showing polished red and black fruits accompanied by balsamic spices. Salty minerals saturate towards the end. The finish is long with tannins reminiscent of black tea that captivate the senses as mint and cedar nuances slowly fade. The 2021 will require patience, and lots of it." Vinous

Ruby red colour, appealing, slightly reductive aroma of ripe blackberries and elderberries, quite dense on the palate, certain fruit sweetness, good harmony between juicy acidity and velvety tannins, elegant finish with traces of cassis. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully fresh and perfumed, the 2021 Nero d'Avola Lamùri entices with a gorgeous blend of crushed blackberries, white pepper, violet florals and hints of wet stone. This is wonderfully fresh and energetic, with crunchy red and blue fruits elevated by juicy acidity as an air of sweet spice and lavender forms toward the close. It finishes with remarkable length and a zesty tension, leaving a licorice tone in its wake. This is a total pleasure to taste." Vinous

Grillo Cavallo delle Fate exudes a spicy bouquet of ginger, nectarines and lime zest. It has a medium body with a zesty acid core that provides an energetic sensation and citrus fruits that cascade down the palate. The finish is lively and wickedly fresh, with a savoury tension that leaves the mouth wanting more. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Grillo Cavallo delle Fate is perfumed in the glass with a pretty blend of mint leaves, candied lime, chamomile and sweet smoke. It's silky-smooth yet lifted and finessed. Crisp orchard fruits and hints of sour melon are guided by brisk acidity. It leaves the palate perfectly refreshed with a crunchy staining of minerality and a chalky sensation that slowly fades. This possesses a wonderful cool-toned character imparted by the elevations and microclimate of the Regaleali estate." Vinous

Buonsenso (common sense) is already visually impressive with its bright straw yellow colour. Attractive bouquet of wild flowers, mint, peach and green melon. The palate is refreshed by a great acid wire, rounded off by citrus and peach notes with a subtle hint of saltiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Catarratto Buonsenso is dusty and floral, but also a little shy, with notes of yellow apple and white flowers contrasted by a pinch of ground ginger. It opens with a touch of zesty acidity that enlivens the tart orchard fruits, while the savoury minerals saturate towards the finish. The 2023 tapers off with medium length and a youthful tension, while a hint of sour lime pinches the cheeks. This is a wonderfully balanced Catarratto." Vinous

"A vivid, juicy and driven catarratto with aromas of sliced apples, pineapple and exotic spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Textured and focused with a flavorful finish full of verve." James Suckling

Vibrant, radiant colour, rich in green-golden reflections. The rich fragrance of this Moscato d'Allessandria (Zibibbo) is floral of white roses and acacia, followed by mineral notes, peach and orange blossom, to finish with candied citrus fruits and a hint of honey. On the palate, the olfactory impressions of mineral origin and the fresh structure are confirmed, savoury and enveloping. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. The nose is characterised by lychee, peach and elderflower. Lots of fruity sweetness on the palate, fresh, invigorating and very juicy, with a lingering finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Lighea is a beautiful and refined dry Zibibbo. It exudes an exotic bouquet that blends tropical citrus and melon with minty herbs and candied lime. On the inside, it is soothingly round and perfumed, with a wave of ripe citrus and cooling acidity, maintaining its fantastic energy throughout. The 2023 tapers off with medium length and a savoury note that lingers with a hint of kiwi." Vinous

Here is one of the most beautiful interpretations of the white Carricante grape variety, matured for six months on the fine lees. A fresh, dynamic wine from Etna with a multi-faceted aroma of citrus, white peach, yeast, flint and smoke. Cool grapefruit and passion fruit, taut acidity and impressive mineral notes on the dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A cool nose with Burgundian finesse and pressure, fine reduction, mineral notes, salted lemon, light flowers, pear. Extremely fresh and gripping on the palate, elegant and spicy, with yellow-coloured spice, saline minerality and powerful, elegant freshness." Weinwisser

"Bright green-yellow in colour. Delicately smoky, stony on the nose, with subtle hints of salted lemon and some white flowers. Vibrant, salty on the palate, with noble citrus fruit." Falstaff

"This lively white wine offers a nice counterbalance to the creamy texture with aromatic accents of dried mint and grapefruit peel to the flavours of apricot, chopped almonds and poached pear. Salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco 2022 is remarkably fresh and exudes an herb-accentuated bouquet, in which wet stone and a hint of smoke mingle with crushed almonds and pears. The palate is washed by a mineral wave of ripe fruit, accompanied by a hint of sour lime. The finish is crisp, refreshing and long, with a hint of delicious acidity that calls the drinker back to the glass." Vinous

"The nose is characterised by light, floral aromas of yellow apples, pears, lemons and white flowers, while warm, stony undertones provide balance. The palate is characterised by citrus fruits, with tree fruits not neglected, before a slightly nutty, salty finish supported by a gentle acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Notes of ripe apples and pears with spices, camomile and a stony minerality. Medium-bodied, supple and polished with juicy acidity and delicious fruit. Complex and full of character." James Suckling

"From the districts of Verzella and Pietramarina, a pure Carricante grown between 600 and 750 metres above sea level and then aged for four months in steel tanks. Notes of lychee on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and white melon, with hints of lemon and wild mint. Salty-orange on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Bright ruby red colour. Fresh and fragrant of violets and rose petals. Fresh, aromatic berry fruit on the palate, very supple tannins, with a lot of fruit and grace on the finish. Very racy and cheerful at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Frappato Vittoria Bell'Assai wafts up with purity, displaying an array of violets, lavender, crushed blackberries and a complicating whiff of dusty earth. Round and juicy in style, it possesses cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade throughout. The 2022 finishes wickedly fresh and with medium length, leaving a pleasantly crunchy, mouthwatering sensation behind on the close. The Bell'Assai would make an excellent pairing for a wide variety of cuisine." Vinous

"Candied cherries and flowers with some dried orange follow through to a medium body, with watermelon and citrus undertones." James Suckling

"The warm, floral nose shows delicate notes of roses and cherry blossom, but also tantalisingly sweet aromas of strawberries and cream. On the palate, a bitter note is emphasised by a latent earthiness, while the acidity plays around polished, firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Alta Mora Rosso is a blend of fruit from the Verzella, Solicchiata, Feudo di Mezzo and Guardiola vineyards, which lie between 650 and 900 metres above sea level. Light, bright garnet in colour, very clear bouquet with pronounced fresh fruit notes of berries and rhubarb, elegant on the palate with well-balanced power and supple tannins; juicy, persistent and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Open, delicate bouquet of redcurrant jelly, raspberry, followed by some sweet mocha and cocoa. Round and supple on the palate, unfolds with fine-meshed tannins, juicy and stimulating to drink. Long, pleasantly acidic final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Etna Rosso is very beautiful, with a fresh blend of dried roses, black cherries and cloves. It is round and soothing in nature, with lifted textures and crisp wild berry fruit. The 2021 finishes with a nice tension and ends with lingering notes of dried strawberries and citrus." Vinous

"A bright, fresh red with attractive lemongrass and berry character on the nose following through to a medium body nicely integrated with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Firm and racy." James Suckling

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow; openly fruity, pronounced, appealing; sweet, full-fruity, ripe pear, concentrated, dense, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione is seductively fresh and displays an herbaceous bouquet of lime, peach and mint. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a burst of zesty acidity enlivens the tart orchard fruit. The 2022 rejuvenates crisply, with a hint of salinity and an inner smoky sensation." Vinous

"The nose is light, fresh and gentle, with coherent but compelling aromas of citrus, yellow apple and white flowers. The palate is lemon-driven, but a hint of salt brings out a honey-nut element and a lingering apple note." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright, fragrant, mineral white wine with delicate notes of broom and pine. With flavours of nectarine, persimmon, blanched almonds and ground ginger, it shows good linear power, yet is harmonious and approachable, unfolding on the palate through the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"A multifaceted, polished white Etna showing restrained citrus notes, stony minerality, green apples, apricots and almonds. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with a silky texture, this has crisp, long, vibrant acidity and a citrusy floral aftertaste." James Suckling

Etna Rosso comes from the Torreguarino and Pietramarina vineyards on Etna. Bright, sparkling ruby red colour with a transparent core. Fine spicy notes, pepper and small red berries on the nose, notes of ripe raspberries on the palate. Dense, with lots of fruit and compact tannins. Elegant, yet fresh and racy and very authentic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light tannins are crisp and fine in this bright red that defines a pure note of crushed raspberry with a hint of pomegranate puree, supported by accents of blood orange peel, dried lavender and tarry smoke that ends in a creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"The sunny, floral nose shows aromas of roses, hibiscus, cherries and strawberries, along with balancing undertones of salt and stone. On the palate, a hint of orange peel underlines the cherry and strawberry flavours, while the tannins leave a powerful, invigorating impression." Wine Enthusiast

"The Etna Rosso 2022 presents itself with an airy bouquet of rosy flowers, lavender and exotic spices. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness and soft textures as wild strawberries and blueberries swirl. It tapers off with a hint of crisp minerality and a violet finish, revealing a tart blackberry note towards the end." Vinous

"Vivid and lively, this has aromas of dark cherries, watermelon and a hint of lemons following through to a medium body with integrated tannins and crunchy fruit at the end. Energetic and focused." James Suckling

Fresh, bright ruby colour. The Syrah impresses with its intense and ripe bouquet with hints of figs, redcurrants, preserved cherries, blueberries, spices and vanilla. Velvety, elegant tannins accompany the opulent and lively structure through to the lingering final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Maroccoli, is dark and floral. In the glass, it reveals a smoky mix of grilled herbs, dried violets and crushed blackberries. It is wonderfully fresh and light, with bright wild berries and a juicy acidity that retains a fantastic energy. It finishes with a pleasantly bitter feel that tapers off with medium length and a spicy hint." Vinous

"This is rich, mellow and nicely filled with fruit, offering dark cherries, plums, mild spices and hints of cedar and nutmeg on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with velvety, rather supple tannins and impressive volume and length. A smooth and fruity aftertaste." James Suckling

A modern, single-varietal Chardonnay that does not deny its terroir with an almost Burgundian style. Elegant, complex and full of character, the aromatically fragrant Jalé has a balanced, long flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, clear golden yellow colour. On the nose, clearly roasted hazelnuts, apricot jam, a little nut butter, followed by pineapple yoghurt and a little banana. The palate opens juicy with dancing acidity, some citrus. Salty, medium-long final. Good with grilled fish!" Falstaff

"The 2022 Jalè is a single varietal Chardonnay with a blend of vanilla custard, sweet spices and yellow apples. It feels silky, almost creamy, with a balance of mineral fruit and a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 is long and powerful, but also remarkably fresh. Lime zest and tart notes of green apples round off the finish." Vinous