VINOUS.COM – Sicily Report 2024

Intense and enveloping aromas of blackberry, dark fruit and cocoa. Memorable, full-bodied fruit and firm tannins on the palate, which give this Merlot its unique elegance. Pleasantly round, long and with traces of mint on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose starts sweet and wild with aromas of blueberries, raspberries and a hint of vanilla, before spicy notes of leather, herbs and pepper make themselves known. On the palate, flavours of cherry, vanilla and milk chocolate support the berry element before a lingering, herbaceous and stony finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Sito dell'Ulmo is remarkably pretty, wafting up with a blend of wild blueberries, sage, dusty dried violets and hints of tobacco. It's round and supple, possessing cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits that cascade across the palate as rosy inner florals form toward the close. The 2019 tapers off gently tannic yet wildly fresh, finishing with notes of lavender and crushed blackberry. Stunning." Vinous

Elegant, exotic-looking Etna Bianco with wonderfully broad flavours of tropical fruit, blossom and peach. Beautifully juicy, balanced and long in flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend from 5 contrade. Extremely aromatic, expansive, sexy bouquet with white peach and spices. This successful cuvée captivates with its multi-layered hints of mountain and flower meadows, paired with light exotic fruits. Melting on the palate with white fruits, mineral notes and a salty finish." Weinwisser

"The 2022 Etna Bianco rises from the glass with a savoury blend of dried flowers, stone dust and freshly cut nectarine. It shows ripe stone fruit and a feeling of liquid stone accompanied by fresh acidity. The 2022 finishes crisp and long, with a tart concentration of citrus that tickles the cheeks and keeps the taster reaching for the glass." Vinous

"It has notes of lemon, camomile and sweet basil. It is bright and fruity, with a medium body and a fresh, creamy finish." James Suckling

"A blend of Carricante from various Contradas in Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side of Mount Etna. This undried Bianco is bright and cheerful, full of white peach, white flowers, apricot skin, cream, pink grapefruit and hay. Its long, floral finish is delightful, juicy and stony." Decanter

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Light ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of wild strawberry and delicate hints of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg. The corresponding, fresh flavour and subtle elegance lead to a harmonious and energetic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Open-hearted bouquet with delicate oxidation, lilac, juniper and tobacco. Earthy and mineral on the palate with fine tannins and spicy notes." Weinwisser

"Medium, bright garnet red with a brightening rim. Fine aromas of strawberries and raspberries and a hint of cherry syrup on the nose. Crisp, fresh and juicy on the palate with a fruity finish and fine-grained tannins." Falstaff

"It impresses with its ripe core of black cherry and plum and offers pretty accents of violets, aniseed and dried herbs. This red wine is light-footed, with taut tannins that round off the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"A soft and open red with plum and spice character as well as floral undertones. Some fresh herbs too. Medium body. Lightly chewy." James Suckling

"Hints of sweet spice and dusty rose give way to crushed cherries and cloves as the 2021 Etna Rosso Sul Vulcano blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it displays a texture of pure silk with ripe red fruits accompanied by lively acidity, while floral notes unfold on the inside. Fine tannins and a primary concentration saturate towards the end, while the 2021 finishes long. Traces of liquorice fade towards the end. This is a fantastic offering, especially at this price point." Vinous

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Carricante is one of the most exciting grape varieties in southern Italy, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata's only white wine from Etna grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals at an altitude of 700-750 metres. The wine is fermented in steel tanks before maturing partly in concrete tanks and partly in second and third choice barriques for 10 months and then a further nine months in the bottle.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Bouquet of white flowers and notes of wild herbs and citrus. On the palate, it is full, fresh and flavoursome and finishes with impressive freshness, elegance and an exciting mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose reveals chiselled notes of pink grapefruit, herbs and citrus blossom. In the mouth, it is tightly woven, with a very fine woody touch, melting contours, mineral and salty." Weinwisser

"Straw yellow in colour. Attractive nose of fresh lemon peel, but still somewhat restrained. Mineral lemon fruit with salty hints on the finish. Can mature." Jancis Robinson

"A well-dried white wine with lush vanilla, baking spice and lime blossom accents to the flavours of glazed apple and tangerine fruit. The mouthwatering acidity is well integrated, providing definition and carrying the rich flavours through the lingering, slightly salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano 2021 is intense, with a blend of flint, sweet mint, apricot and a hint of sage. It is soft and round, with a lively acidity and mineral fruit that pours over the palate and takes on a hint of sour citrus towards the end. The Sul Vulcano is a fantastic option for an entry-level Etna Bianco, and having tasted the 2016 in parallel, I can confirm that it will age beautifully." Vinous

"Juicy fruit character, delicate white flowers, ripe melon and pineapple, elegant and mineral with generous fruit." Decanter

"A gourmet wine with structure. Intense and smoky, this shows jasmine, green apples and yellow peaches. The palate is vibrant, electric and fresh with an almost tannic texture. Zesty and mineral, it’s just a bit leaner on the finish." James Suckling

Giuseppe Russo produces just 5,000 bottles of this extremely elegant rosato every year. Fine, complex aromas of red fruit and mineral stone on the youthfully fresh nose. The energetic and very precise impressions on the palate correspond beautifully with the flavour. Delicate melting, fine minerality, harmonious and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet roses, stone dust and orange sherbet make the 2022 Etna Rosato a real delight on the nose. Soothingly round and with a pleasant inner sweetness, it flows across the palate with crisp, mineral-tinged orchard fruits punctuated by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes intensely mineral and leaves a pleasant mouthfeel as the notes of sour melon gradually fade away." Vinous

"Hints of white peach and green and red fruit aromas accompany some spice and minerals in the mouth, with a touch of creaminess in the background. Fresh, succulent strawberry and raspberry flavours linger on a saline finish." Decanter

"The Etna Rosato 2022 has a floral bouquet with wild flowers, peach blossom and a hint of zagara, the Sicilian lemon blossom. It offers subtle support in the background thanks to a particularly fine and crisp mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"This wine shows subtle notes of pink cherry, peach skin, dried orange peel and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, delicate and supple, with freshness and crisp acidity. Delicious with a structured, polished finish." James Suckling

Ghiaia, a pure Nerello Mascalese from the slopes of Mount Etna, exudes sweet aromas of cherries and flowers. A refined, very detailed and seductive wine with great charm, character and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red colour; reductive red-fruity, appealing; powerful, fruit-deep, subtly tart tannin, long." Merum

"Medium, bright cherry red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Fine bouquet of raspberries, redcurrants, some pomegranate, underlaid with eucalyptus and fine spice. Vibrant freshness and pleasant juiciness on the palate, the tannins still somewhat youthful and ending on herbs in the medium final." Falstaff

"Attractive bouquet of chestnuts, violets and crisp strawberries, fresh and crisp with attractive acidity and a savoury finish." Decanter

"Sweet berries and orange peel with undertones of peach and lemon blossom. Medium-bodied, with crisp fruit and a fresh and slightly chewy finish. Delicious wine, now showing volcanic character with ashy and smoky undertones." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera 2021 is intense, smoky and ashy. It opens with a burst of crushed strawberries accompanied by notes of blood orange and clove. This wine is a model of purity, with savoury red berry fruit and a core of salty minerality that emerges towards the end. The lively acidity provides a fantastic balance. A web of fine tannins lingers, creating a classic dry feel and youthful tension as the sour cherry tones fade." Vinous

Etna Rosato from Pietradolce not only attracts attention with its delicate, shiny colour. The delicate bouquet of roses is beguiling and the precise flavour convinces with lively aromas of peach, cranberry and grapefruit. Elegant mineral tones accompany the fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling copper red colour. Distinct bouquet of candied apricots, orange peel with light herbal spice. Smooth on entry, unbelievably soft and elegant on the palate, with a long finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Etna Rosato is delicate, with a nuanced blend of white strawberry, wet stone and a hint of peach sorbet. It balances a zesty core of juicy acidity and sour lime with ripe orchard fruit. The finish is remarkably fresh and clean, with a hint of minerality that leaves you wanting more." Vinous

"A smoky, peatlike style here with red plums and whiffs of flowers. Light-bodied, this has moderate acidity and a refreshing finish, silky and polished to the end. Simple but nice." James Suckling

Etna Bianco is smoky in the glass and excites the senses with a burst of crushed rock and raw almonds before fading into a citrus-influenced peach. It is pleasantly soft and enveloping, with weighty textures supported by lively acidity. Mineral fruits and sweet spices meet on the palate. Finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy and long, leaving the mouth wanting more. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled for an entry-level Etna Bianco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Honey blossom, candied ginger, hints of fennel and crushed green apples form a savoury and inviting bouquet when the 2023 Etna Bianco opens in the glass. Ripe fruit meets a core of salty minerals and savoury spices, while a stimulating wave of acidity completely redefines the palate. The 2023 finishes perfumed and long, leaving a pleasantly tart hint of citrus that tickles the cheeks." Vinous

"This has a restrained white-pepper and mineral character, lemon bush and pulp. On the palate, the acidity is firmly integrated with citrus, flint, concentrated fruit and a medium to full body. The finish is supersavory and tense. Drinkable now but will improve with age." James Suckling

The small, museum-like island of Mozia in the Marsala lagoon is a production site of unrivalled uniqueness. It is a marine ecosystem that has always been linked to the vineyard. The English, who came to Marsala at the beginning of the 19th century and recognised its great potential, initiated the first planting. The vines are cultivated naturally using the Gobelet system with natural irrigation. The grapes are harvested in crates, brought to the mainland in flat-bottomed boats and then transported to the Regaleali winery in air-conditioned lorries to guarantee their aromatic integrity.

Since 2007, when the Tasca family was entrusted by the Whitaker Foundation with the implementation of a project to promote and revitalise historic Grillo vineyards, they have been looking after 12 hectares of vineyards in Mozia. This is where the best Grillo in Sicily comes from, which is unrivalled in terms of concentration and razor-sharp precision.

Pale straw yellow in colour. Tantalising, very refined aromas of nectarine, yellow flowers, lime and mint herbs. On the palate, it is fresh, juicy and dense, with a wonderful clarity and flavours of pome fruit and white stone fruit, accompanied by a lively and harmonious acidity. Its impressive finish is long and mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shimmering straw yellow with a silver-green touch. Restrained, initially slightly dry on the nose, slowly opening up to yellow stone fruit and hints of garden herbs. More precise on the palate, with a soft fruit centre and beautiful freshness." Falstaff

"The 2023 Grillo Mozia is youthful and shy, yet full-bodied, revealing a delicate blend of chamomile, green melon and a hint of candied lime. A blend of savoury and sweet flavours, ripe fruits and silky textures balanced by a zesty acidity. Sweet herbal notes emerge towards the end. The wine finishes with enormous length and a salty note, while the green citrus fruit aftertaste gradually dissipates. Mozia comes from Albarello vines that grow on sandy soils at sea level or slightly below. This is one of the most characterful Grillos produced in Italy today." Vinous

Pietradolce Rosso is reminiscent of an elegant red from Burgundy. Sparkling, intense garnet red colour. Light, aromatic tones of cherry, raspberry, slate, cigar tobacco and cedar wood, medium-bodied and very energetic on the palate, flavoursome fruit, salty, balanced and long. Be sure to aerate! SUPERIORE.DE

"Grapefruit, fresh cranberries and minerals on the nose. Fresh and almost tangy on the palate with savoury citrus fruits and a firm tannin structure. Pleasantly grippy and structured." James Suckling

"The predominantly cool, fresh and earthy nose also reveals tart, subtly warm aromas of tea leaves, hibiscus, plums, cranberries and orange peel. On the palate, these fruit flavours are underlined by almost metallic citrus and pepper notes. The acidity fizzes in the background." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Etna Rosso lifts from the glass with a bouquet that mixes savory and sweet: woodland berries, cloves, grilled herbs and wet concrete. This is fruit-focused, with masses of ripe black cherries accentuated by hints of sweet spice as a gentle staining of tannins forms toward the close. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh, enlivened by a bump of juicy acidity as rosy inner florals gradually taper off. This makes for an excellent introduction to the Pietradolce style." Vinous

Wonderful, deep aroma of dark wild cherries, crushed raspberries, pomegranate, roses and peppery herbs. Dense but not heavy on the palate, long and pure with multi-layered subtle fruit flavours. Salty minerals and violet blossom emerge on the finish, along with nuanced tannins that create a classically dry feel on the elegant finish. This wine is already an absolute pleasure to drink, and although it tastes great now, it will continue to refine in the bottle for several years. A sensual and enjoyable wine, 60 per cent Nero d'Avola from oak barrels and 40 per cent Frappato matured in a vitrified cement vat. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Cerasuolo di Vittoria entices with a dusty bouquet of citrus-laced blackberries, dried violets and sweet smoke. This is pure and lifted in style, communicating undeniable elegance with a silken wave of ripe wild berry fruit that swirls throughout. It finishes classically dry yet only gently tannic, leaving hints of black raspberry and spice to linger. The 2021 is simply stunning today and has the balance to evolve beautifully through medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Nectarine flavours leap from the glass with lemon blossom and crushed stone. Medium-bodied with integrated tannins that envelop and caress the palate. Fine and delicious." James Suckling

The Carjcanti from our own vineyards in Chiaramonte Gulfi deserves a round of applause. Yellow in colour with green reflections. The bouquet is reminiscent of apple, pineapple, brown butter and cinnamon, rounded off by flint and smoke. Taut on the palate with the mineral acidity typical of Carricante, followed by orchard fruits and herbal notes. Very fresh, aromatic and long with exciting ageing potential. A wonderful Carricante from south-east Sicily. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Carjcanti is wildly fresh, wafting up with mineral-drenched orchard fruit and hints of sage and fennel. It washes across the palate with notes of ripe yellow apple and pear, guided by juicy acidity as a mineral staining saturates toward the close. This tapers off long, classically dry and youthfully tense with notions of apricot that gradually fade." Vinous

Aristocratic, amphora-aged natural wine made from 100 per cent Zibibbo with a reductive, floral bouquet, notes of white and yellow stone fruit and a savoury, spicy herbal aroma. The flavours meld with great elegance on the palate, with delicate notes of peach and exotic fruit, long, fresh, mineral and an extremely interesting finish. Be sure to aerate sufficiently before drinking! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Zibibbo in Pithos entices with a beautiful, exotic blend of mint, white smoke and orange sorbet. It’s soft-textured, building inner tension as tart orchard fruits and sour citrus tones come together with saline minerals and a core of brisk acidity. The 2022 tapers off long and fresh, finishing with a liquid floral concentration and hints of green melon that resonate." Vinous

"Light copper yellow colour. Pure and fragrant bouquet with jasmine, apricots, medlar and nectarines. Full-bodied and phenolic on the palate, with fresh acidity and a long, slightly salty finish. Only 11% alcohol. It has a beautiful structure and intensity. A wonderful Zibibbo with skin contact." James Suckling

Animalucente consists mainly of Carricante from 70-100 year old vines, some of which are still ungrafted. Shiny, ethereal and extravagant in the glass, the bright colour is reminiscent of a lava flow in a wild and romantic setting. Extremely flavoursome on the palate, vertical, with a tangy acidity and creaminess that makes you want to drink the next glass. Animalucente is a strong, forward and very authentic Etna wine and the perfect fusion of heaven and earth. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has an invitingly transparent style with plenty of juiciness and core. Slightly green accents resonate, the acidity appears subtly unripe in a well-built structure." Weinwisser

"Bright straw yellow colour. Open-hearted on the nose, of salt lemon, dried herbs, sea salt, then precise, juicy, clean on the palate." Falstaff

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Animalucente Santo Spirito blends savouriness and sweetness with a burst of crushed stone and lemon peel accompanied by a hint of sage. It has a soft texture with juicy acidity and savoury minerals holding the balance as the crunchy fruit trees slowly saturate towards the finish. The 2022 tapers off with a flinty feel and admirable length, leaving a hint of sour citrus for lovely punctuation." Vinous

"Delicately floral and honeyed lemon, herbal and fragrant on the nose. Dense, round and full of flavour - burnt caramel, orange peel and blossom, pear drops and chamomile with plenty of spiced, roasted edges providing the frame and sense of structure. Nice body and fruitiness, round and forward, offering a full palate with nuances of iron, black pepper, cloves, toast and freshly picked apples. A beautiful wine." Decanter

"You can smell the sea here and there are many aromas and flavours of dried lemon, raw ginger and apple. Turmeric. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and yet energetic and concentrated. So complex. Very well made." James Suckling

One of the most exciting Etna Rosso with a balsamic, spicy bouquet and a balanced, yet very characterful, juicy, long flavour. Fine fruit, good acidity, firm tannin, beautiful length. Perfectly reflects the terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of stone fruit, flowers and subtle tobacco notes; precise on the palate, the tannins are fine-grained and perfectly integrated, develops full of verve towards a long final." Vinum

"It has a tantalising aroma of red and black cherries, almonds, spices and balsamic. In the mouth it is bright and intense, with a good body and balanced savoury red fruits. The finish is fleshy and juicy, stony and slightly bitter (in a positive way)." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Rosso ‘A Rina opens slowly in the glass with a savory herbal tinge that gives way to rose petals, ash and wild strawberries. This is juicy and round, with abundant energy and ripe red and blue fruits swirling throughout. Brilliant acidity adds further lift as zesty wild berries linger over a subtle bed of fine tannins, framing the experience without getting in the way. It’s a total pleasure to taste and would even stand up to a slight chill on a warm day." Vinous

"This is the entry-level red wine from Girolamo Russo. The Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2021 is made from Nerello Mascalese and about 10% Nerello Cappuccio from different vineyards and offers excellent value with wild berries, blue flowers and crushed stone with an elegant mouthfeel. The emphasis is on freshness and balance." Wine Advocate

"Plenty of citrus, orange peel, honey and beeswax with some pumice and volcanic soil. Medium-bodied, with firm and integrated tannins that are energetic and integrated. Very nice now, but even better in three or four years." James Suckling

The four wines resulting from the collaboration between Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata show attention to detail and unconditional love for Sicily. They are the perfect expression of two top companies "Made in Italy". They represent the aesthetic fusion of craftsmanship, creativity and Sicilian passion. Together, they have created a unique collection of wines and packaging that emotionally capture Sicilian culture and lifestyle and express a clear commitment to the beauty and tradition of Sicily.

Bright pale pink colour. Floral, fragrant bouquet of jasmine blossoms and rose petals as well as fine fruity notes of white peach and bergamot. Fresh, elegant and mineral on the palate, great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate salmon pink colour. Peach, black tea, bergamot and light berry notes on the nose. Off-dry on the palate, again bright red fruit, very vertical, fresh, slightly juicy, light to medium body." Falstaff

"The wonderfully zesty 2023 Rosa has a pretty, pale pink colour and a bouquet of green apples with lime and a hint of confectionery spice. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness that fades into vibrant white pear and orange zest. A core of vibrant acidity provides a fantastic energy on the inside. The result is a beautiful, crisp and refreshing wine with a savoury note - a fantastic interpretation of the Rosa di Donnafugata, despite the difficulties of the vintage." Vinous

Ben Ryé - the great naturally sweet and world-famous white wine from Donnafugata. The grapes are harvested in mid-August and left to dry naturally for 20 to 30 days. In September, the later ripening grapes are harvested and freshly processed. The hand-picked raisined berries are added to the must in several stages during fermentation. Light orange yellow in colour. Overwhelming aromas of apricot, peach and orange peel. Creamy notes of passion fruit and peach on the palate with an impressive elegance and length. For us, one of the best sweet wines in Italy every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"An icon of sweet Sicily: notes of honey, figs, mint and orange zest; perfectly balanced in the mouth, pleasantly salty with a long bitter-honey finish." Vinum

"Bright amber with copper-coloured reflections. Distinct aroma of dried apricots and figs, stewed peaches, acacia honey, orange blossom and some ginger on the nose, very complex. Very balanced and round on the palate with a great balance of freshness and sweetness, the tannins are well integrated, ending with a long finish of dried fruit." Falstaff

"A beautiful sweet with a fragrant orange blossom nose, with a tantalising array of glazed mandarin, apricot, dried mint and candied ginger, as well as rich hints of graham cracker, vanilla and white chocolate. Long and slightly mouth-coating, with tangy blood orange peel acidity accentuating the juicy finish." Wine Spectator

"Burnt blood orange, autumnal spices, candied ginger, dried nectarines and a hint of mint form a kaleidoscopic bouquet as the 2022 Ben Ryé blossoms in the glass. It feels heavy and velvety, yet remarkably fresh, flooding the palate with an abundance of tropical citrus, mango and papaya supported by a core of zesty acidity. The 2022 finishes with dramatic length and concentration. The finish of peach nectar and savoury spices is long lasting. The 2022 is sure to join the ranks of Ben Ryé's best vintages." Vinous

"Gorgeous flavours of sun-ripened peach, bitter orange peel and dried figs, infused with luxurious flowers that shine through the supple texture and wonderful caress of refreshing acidity. Very engaging and rich, with an unbroken length." Decanter

Proud single-vineyard Sicilian in a small edition made from 100% Carricante. Fine bouquet of citrus fruits and apricots. Wonderfully juicy fruit on the palate paired with good structure, balanced acidity, fine minerality and appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows beautiful fruit on the nose with young stone fruit, light peach, sage, sweet herbs and mineral notes. In the mouth with a soft, almost silky texture, citrus fruit and herbs, rather round with balanced acidity." Weinwisser

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Calderara opens slowly with a nuanced blend of young peaches, grated sage, stone dust and sweet spices, keeping the glass constantly moving. The medium body is silky smooth, revealing mineral fruit lifted by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes long and youthfully tense. A tart finish of lime and savoury herbs rounds off the whole." Vinous

The organically grown Etna Rosso Reseca is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese from a 1.5-hectare vineyard located at 800 metres above sea level on the blackened cone of the volcano. The wine offers both power and grace, the two contrasting qualities that characterise the great wines of Etna.

Sweet cherries, dried flowers, liquorice and spices on the nose. The elegant style continues on the palate with silky tannins and restraint in all components. A medium-bodied, prancing red with all the classic, elegant advantages of Etna's volcanic terroir. The fresh fruit should easily carry this wine to the 10-year mark and probably beyond. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Reseca opens with a cascade of rosy florals and a dusting of spice, grounded by hints of wet stone. It possesses a lovely inner sweetness and silky textures as citrus-laced wild berry fruits swirl throughout. Only gently tannic yet incredibly long, the 2019 finishes potent, youthfully grippy and fresh." Vinous

Don Antonio Riserva is the best selection from the Morgante vineyards, where only Nero d'Avola grows. Concentrated and hauntingaromas, very typical of the variety, ripe fruit accompanied by mineral and balsamic notes. Lively and elegant on the palate. The flagship of the winery and a prime example of the "Taste of Sicily". SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple reflections. Dense and dark on the nose, of sweet black cherry, dark chocolate, liquorice, toast and bacon. With sweet, savoury fruit on the palate, powerful and with a lot of pressure, on tightly woven tannins, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Intense ripe dark fruits mixed with leather flavours, powerful and bright with a sweet, oaky finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Nero d'Avola Riserva Don Antonio rises from the glass with a mentholated blend of grilled herbs, dried black cherries and balsamic spice. This is an elegant and refined wine with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit accented by hints of spiced orange. Fine-grained tannins rise towards the finish, leaving it long and structured, yet remarkably fresh. Notes of cherry and dark chocolate linger on the final. The 2020 is a fantastic edition of the Don Antonio with a perfectly integrated hint of new oak. It should only need a short stay in the cellar before it reaches a long and wide drinking window." Vinous

Arianna Occhipinti's Il Frappato, which is rare every year, is spicy and elegant on the nose but, as always, needs a little air to show its best side. Captivating aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals, white pepper and thyme emerge in the glass, hinting at a mouthful of sweet red fruit, complemented by zesty acidity and salty salinity. Seamless tannins caress the long and perfumed finish. Il Frappato embodies a contemporary style that goes well with the healthy dishes we want to eat today, with lots of vegetables and white meat. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Il Frappato is an understated beauty. Blackberries and redcurrants swirl from the glass, accentuated by a hint of incense and grated sage. The palate is soft and supple, with crisp red and black fruits flowing over a core of tangible minerals and savoury spice. A hint of zesty acidity provides an amazing freshness, even as a tart wild berry note pinches the cheeks on the long and tense final. I would enjoy the 2022 with a meal rather than on its own, but I have a feeling that was Arianna Occhipinti's intention." Vinous

"A succulent, precise, bright and lively frappato. The nose shows notes of forest berries, sour cherries, forest floor, pebbles and mild spices. It’s light- to medium-bodied with silky tannins. Polished and vivid with bright acidity. It’s agile, with so much succulence at the center. Mouthwatering and long." James Suckling

The harvested Malvasia grapes remain in shaded drying chambers for several weeks under good ventilation. Without moisture and hot sun, the grapes dry slowly and thus retain their acidity and very moderate alcohol levels. Capofaro is an impressive dessert wine that comes from vines that once belonged to the late winemaker Carlo Hauner, who made Malvasia from the island of Salina famous.

Bright golden yellow in colour. A warm bouquet of orange blossom, candied orange peel and flowers, underpinned by bright, savoury notes. Very densely packed and tightly wound, it displays a luscious mouthfeel and a tantalising sweetness that is beautifully balanced by a crisp acidity. The finish is creamy and long, with notes of botrytis and reminiscent of tropical fruit nectar. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Capofaro mixes savory and sweet with a bouquet of salty sea air, oyster shells, ripe apples and mint. This has the weight and feel of nectar yet possesses a tart citrus concentration and brilliant acidity to balance. Ripe mango combines with kiwi as a salty tinge of minerality settles in toward the close. The 2022 cleans up beautifully, leaving a confectionery resonance without being sweet or cloying. I’m ready for another sip." Vinous