Wines from Sicily

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerosanloré 2012, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 7 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

An exceptionally characterful and powerful Nero d'Avola is the Nerosanloré. From a beautiful vineyard in Pacchino, the area of origin of the famous vine. Mineral, vital, ripe, elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red. Refined, highly complex aromas of blueberries, flint, exotic spices, faded flowers, cumin and cardamom. Bright, juicy and penetrating on the palate, with great mid-palate energy and a brooding quality to the very deep but currently subtle spicy red and blue fruit flavours. It rises impressively on the back palate, which is elegant and perfumed, with soft, fine-grained tannins, a restrained sweetness and a lingering flinty nuance. A remarkably deep, complex NeroSanlorè." VINOUS

Of the four Gulfi-Cru, this is the vineyard closest to the sea, less than 700 metres away and only 10-15 metres above sea level. With vines that grow on sandy soils.

Precise aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, lavender and violets. Silky and juicy on the palate, with a refined but very concentrated extract that almost crushes the taste buds, yet remains lively and not at all heavy, giving the flavours of red cherries, raspberries, flowers and minerals beautiful definition and lift. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a beguiling perfume and extreme finesse; very Barolo-like. A beautiful, multi-layered wine that shows the elegant side of Nero d'Avola that few producers are ever able to present. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and tangy with some baked cherries, cassis, mulberries, dried flowers and peppercorns. Juicy and full-bodied on the palate with fine, plush tannins and a long, mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"A blend of crushed plums, rose petals, lavender and Violette pastille creates a deeply seductive bouquet as the 2019 NeroSanloré blossoms in the glass. This is a model of grace and elegance with silky textures, vividly ripe red and blue fruits elevated by sour citrus and a core of stimulating acidity. It finishes long and staining, with sweet tannins that frame the experience beautifully as tangerine and blackberry fade. The 2019 NeroSanloré is to die for; what a gorgeous Nero d'Avola." Vinous

The SP68 cuvée of Frappato and Nero d'Avola is wonderfully fresh, dynamic, individual and modern. Generous flavours, solidly structured and equipped with mild tannins and fine spice. SUPERIORE.DE

"The remarkably beautiful 2022 Rosso SP68 is scented with a blend of violets, roses, white pepper and dried strawberries. The wine is pure, with sweet herbal notes accentuating the citrus-enriched wild berries and supported by vibrant acidity. The SP68 finishes with a gentle tension that caresses the cheeks, leaving a lovely hint of lavender that slowly fades." Vinous

"The SP68, named after the street that flanks the winery, is an entry-level wine made from Nero d'Avola and Frappato. It offers a taste of the winery's signature style at an affordable price and displays inviting aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, with some floral and herbal elements in the background. The ripe acidity underpins the medium-heavy core of sweet red fruits and provides a delightfully light mouthfeel with a savoury and peppery finish." Decanter

The annual production of this boutique winery on Etna is just 9,000 bottles. At an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, the one and a half hectares of vines are divided into eight tiny plots and have been gradually bought up by the well-known Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera phylloxera and make their way through the lava-covered terraces. The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is extremely elegant and flavoursome and represents the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region to a remarkable degree. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; full-bodied, depth of fruit, inviting; juicy attack, depth of fruit, powerful, juicy, full-bodied, good tannin, pleasing." Merum

"Sparkling, brightening ruby colour with garnet rim. Finely characterised nose, with notes of pomegranate and raspberry, fine spice in the background. Lots of fine-meshed, present tannins on the palate, builds up in many layers, salty and profound, very long finish." Falstaff

"The story of Alberelli di Giodo on Mount Etna with winemaker Carlo Ferrini began with the first vintage in 2016. Eight small handkerchiefs, located at an altitude of 700-950 metres, together make up just over one hectare. The valuable vines from the time before the phylloxera plague have survived for 80 to 100 years and are cultivated according to the old Alberello system (bush training) typical of Mount Etna. The wine is fermented and macerated in open steel tanks, with gentle racking, but without pumping over. The wine is bright ruby red in colour, with the smoky and mineral character of Nerello Mascalese, full of restraint with pomegranate and wild strawberry fruit character. Super refreshing thanks to its lively fruit and acidity, it has chewy, velvety tannins on the palate with plenty of youthfulness." Decanter

"The purity of the fruit is here with strawberries, lemon peel and floral undertones. Transitions to cranberry. It's medium-bodied with firm tannins and a bright, lively and linear finish that keeps the palate clean." James Suckling

Arianna Occhipinti: "The skins of the Frappato are thick and fragrant, which is why I thought of a grappa made from this grape. The rest is the careful work of Giovanni La Fauci, master distiller in Valdina, Messina."

The selected marc for this crystal clear grappa comes from Frappato di Vittoria grapes from the Contrada Fossa di Lupo. Precise on the nose with floral-spicy notes. Aristocratic on the palate with a full-bodied confirmation of the aromas. SUPERIORE.DE

The mineral Archineri made from the ancient Carricante grape from vines at an altitude of around 900 metres is quite exquisite. With great clarity and freshness, it displays its typical flavour profile of crushed rock, apple, banana, peach and citrus fruit. Fascinatingly dense on the palate with a velvety texture, a hint of chalk and a long, complex mineral finish. Pre-Phylloxera = from old, ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, engaging aromas of apple, pear, light-coloured stone fruit and flowers. Very juicy on the palate, wonderfully balanced with good freshness, a silky texture and a savoury final. The white Archineri already delivers consistently high quality for the price." Weinwisser

"Medium bright straw yellow with light reflections. Fine aromas of vineyard peach, mint, salted lemon and a hint of nutmeg on the nose. Very fresh and salty on the palate, straightforward and with a long final of citrus zest and fine minerality." Falstaff

"This is an intense and moreish white with a streak of salinity allied to pineappley fruit, a waft of herbs, and lovely sapidity." Decanter

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Archineri smells of a savoury blend of dusty dried flowers, shaved ginger and lime zest. It is round and supple, with a lovely inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruit balanced by a core of palpable minerals. The lively acidity makes for a pleasant final with medium length that leaves a hint of candied citrus and fresh mint." Vinous

"The nose is strongly characterised by citrus and stone fruit, but a subtle floral aroma adds elegance. The palate also begins citrus-driven before deeper, richer flavours of nuts, honey and herbs emerge. The salty finish brings a pleasant, unifying coolness." Wine Enthusiast

"Very pure and mineral nose, giving a stony, precise feel, almost as if you were sniffing in a quarry. Also some smoked tarragon and lemon peel. Impressive tension on the mid-palate with stimulating acidity and minerality. Pure and long. Delicious." James Suckling

Brilliant, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Spicy notes of wild berries, liquorice, flint and traces of thyme on the nose. Beguiling extract sweetness on the palate, with a juicy and racy freshness and fine, tight tannins. Fine salty components on the final, already very polished and supple with further interesting ageing potential. Around 4,000 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2020 is remarkably pretty. It smells of black cherries and dried strawberries, complemented by a hint of cloves and allspice. It is soothingly round, with pretty red berry fruit supported by lively acidity, while rosy, floral notes and liquorice emerge towards the end. The wine finishes with a classic tannin and retains a fantastic freshness. The 2020 has a beautiful balance that will carry it through its long and broad drinking window." Vinous

"Captivating minerals, white pepper, mezcal, orange peel and a wild, sulphurous flavour. Really juicy and broad on the palate with firm, powdery tannins that dissolve in the long, savoury finish." James Suckling

"The nose is full of bright, energetic notes of cherry, strawberry and blood orange, but undertones of sage and pencil shavings add depth and nuance. On the palate, a crackle of pepper reveals the bitterness of the orange notes, while structured tannins and bright acidity support the citrus tartness." Wine Enthusiast

"Dark, ferrous and sapid with some gentle tannic grip, this 2020 Santo Spirito is nonetheless impressively fresh and opens with wafts of menthol, lavender and herbs. It's precise and poised and showcases dark cherry fruit at its best, while being effortlessly light on its feet." Decanter

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerosanloré 2009, which is now - in the spring of 2023 - being offered in small quantities with 10 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

An exceptionally characterful and powerful Nero d'Avola is the Nerosanloré. From a beautiful vineyard in Pacchino, the area of origin of the famous vine. Mineral, vital, ripe, elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of the 2009 Nerosanlorè exudes sweet aromas of toasted oak and baking spices. This is a very elaborate red wine that shows the craftsmanship and work of the winemaker. The bouquet is complex with aromas of ripe fruit, blackberry compote, tobacco and lots of spices from the long oak ageing. In addition, the wine offers abundant tertiary aromas of liquorice, resin and tar. This is a very attractive red wine that brings all the power and sunshine of Sicily to your glass. At 14.5% alcohol, it has power and determination." Wine Advocate

"Notes of pureed black cherries and dates mingle with dried herbs, mocha and black olive tapenades in this juicy red wine framed by gentle tannins. Harmonious and fresh, with a lingering aniseed-flavoured finish." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful full ruby red. Overripe aromas of black cherries, capers, sun-dried tomatoes and sweet oak lifted by a floral top note. Fat and sweet in the mouth, with a high, liqueur-like quality to the ripe red fruits and salty bottom notes. It finishes with creamy, smooth tannins and excellent length. VINOUS

Just 9,000 bottles make up the annual production of this boutique winery from Etna. At 950 metres above sea level, the one-and-a-half hectares of vines, divided into eight tiny plots, are gradually bought up by the renowned Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera vine louse and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine also owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is of extreme elegance and spiciness and represents to a remarkable degree the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region. SUPERIORE.DE

"From 2 hectares, the well-known Tuscan Oenologist Carlo Ferrini produces his own Brunello di Montalcino from Podere Giodo as well as a Sicilian red wine from Etna called Albarelli di Giodo. It is made from the local, Burgundy-like grape variety Nerello Mascalese and has the typical delicate colour. Quite fruity and very accessible, the Albarello di Giodo presents itself as an inviting, harmonious interpretation with a sweet, Tuscan touch. Deep, fine and very balanced also in the mouth, the delicate tannins are enveloped by Tuscan-like sweetness." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose hearty, of rich cherries, wet stone, some black truffle, in addition noble nuances of tea. On the palate radiant and juicy, showing fine creamy nuances, currently also still with very young tannin, in the final with firm grip and pressure." Falstaff

"Dark cherries and dried flowers with pumice and spices on the nose. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins. Racy, with wonderful depth. From old vines with an average age of 70 years." James Suckling

"The Alberelli di Giodo 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese is a wine true to its volcanic roots. This elegant grape variety reveals a tight embroidery of aromas with wild rose, sour cherry, white pepper and campfire ash. The tannins are polished and long, and this deftly made Nerello Mascalese is endowed with plenty of natural freshness and tart berry flavors that drive a long, nuanced finish. This is another super star bottle from winemaker Carlo Ferrini." Wine Advocate

Contrada Rampante with a finely woven bouquet of dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Fresh and lively on the palate, with a memorable blend of ethereal sweetness, delicate acidity and an interesting salty note. A contemplative wine that requires a certain amount of experience and patience in order to fully discover itself and its deliciousness. Pre-Phylloxera = from ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Contrada Rampante near Solicchiata generally produces wines that are rather poor in minerals. This is partly due to the altitude of around 750 to 800 metres above sea level, but also to the special composition of the soil. The wine is lean and taut, almost "austere", the mineral spiciness and the upright tannin structure initially support the impression of a certain austerity, which here, however, thanks to its maturity, is even reminiscent of a top Brunello thanks to its melting texture and fine Amarena fruit." Weinwisser

"The Pietradolce 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante has an almost sweet bouquet with fragrant roses, candied almonds and wild berries. The wine is lean and taut in texture and finishes with fine tannins and subtle mineral nuances. The vines are planted at 850 metres above sea level and in this case, too, they are old plants from before the phylloxera plague. Only 4,000 bottles were released." Wine Advocate

"Dark and brooding, the 2019 Etna Rosso Rampante evolves slowly, with crushed ash stone and savoury grilled herbs balancing the dried black cherries. It's silky and refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and black fruit carried by vibrant acidity. A hint of sour citrus adds a pleasing punctuation towards the finish. Although the 2019 is only slightly tannic, it finishes with a youthful tension. A hint of primary concentration and a bitter hint of blackberry linger throughout. The power of the Rampante is on full display here, but you need patience to savour it." Vinous

"Full of aromas of ripe wild strawberries and black cherries. The palate is muscular, but with a beautifully taut and mineral centre, fresh and energetic, with ripe blueberries and a hint of chocolate on the long finish." Decanter

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegance. A very refined bouquet of redcurrants and wild berries, with a hint of dog rose, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, flavoursome and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"A herbaceous, spicy bouquet with Mediterranean culinary herbs such as sage and oregano, followed by floral accents of rose petals and peonies. On the palate, it is compact and almost sparse with a linear structure, which is reinforced by the earthy-mineral character and the supporting tannins, with the typical salty smokiness and fine red fruit on the juicy final." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Somewhat closed on the nose, delicate flint with red berry fruit. Barren and stony on the palate, shows a fine saltiness, very young, yet harmonious and balanced, constantly juicy on the final, beautiful length." Falstaff

"A floral, herbaceous bouquet with notes of sage, oregano, tomatoes, roses and peonies. On the palate, a dash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of pepper add further nuances to the waltz of savoury herbs and flowers. The tannins emphasise the earthiness, while the acidity introduces a fruity element that is both sweet and tart." Wine Enthusiast

"An evolutionary nose of dried roses, figs and baked plums leads to a palate with lively acidity and a hint of rosewater. Exotic, bazaar-like flavours, rich exotic fruit minerality and charming floral fruitiness. Delicate smoke, round texture, fine tannins, juicy bitter cherry finish. Slightly tart." Decanter

"Ripe, spicy nose for an Etna Rosso with lots of orange peel, white pepper, cloves and mandarins. Also some stones and sage. Firm and full-bodied with a mineral texture that lightly coats the palate. Broad-shouldered tannins with a long, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Archineri is earthy, dark and brooding, with a youthfully backward bouquet of ashen stones, grilled herbs and dried berries. It is silky smooth, with ripe wild berries accompanied by a hint of blood orange. A salty core of minerality saturates towards the end. This leaves a lingering tension on the palate. The lively acidity tantalises the senses and the fine tannins penetrate deeply, leading to a dramatically long, structured and intense final." Vinous

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerosanloré 2010, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 9 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Bright red. Precise, brooding aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, cinnamon, lavender and violets, complicated by iodine and earth. Silky and juicy with a refined but very concentrated extract that tantalises the taste buds but remains lively and not at all heavy, adding lovely definition and lift to the red cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavours. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a fascinating fragrance in the mouth and extreme finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fully saturated ruby. Pure, very deep aromas of black cherry, red plum, medicinal herbs and minerals. Rich, dense and suave, with complex flavors of saline red berries and dark plum complicated by repeating botanical herb and balsamic nuances. Finishes seamless an long. A wine of noteworthy purity, with an excellent balance of sweetness, acidity and tannins. This is Gulfi's closest vineyard to the sea and almost always gives the estate's most elegant, refined wine." Vinous

Bright ruby red colour. Fine bouquet with aromas of red cherries, raspberries, savoury herbs and flint. Then rich and ripe in the mouth, with harmonious, peppery acidity that gives the red and black fruit flavours lift and support. Very complex in the further course, with enormous juiciness and the power and persistence for a very respectable finish and a long life. Only 1,200 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of ripe plums and clafoutis lead to a good concentration of fruit that is austere at first but promises to open up nicely. Fresh floral notes mingle with spicy complexity, revealing the richness of dark fruits, finely structured with balanced tannins and freshness. A Cate Blanchett-like elegance, followed by a powerful, substantial finish." Decanter

"On the nose, there are mainly aromas of earth, tar, undergrowth and soy sauce, but also tart fruit notes that provide a certain spiciness. On the palate, a pinch of salt and pepper as well as strong tannins and acidity ensure that both the slightly metallic earthiness and the tart fruit elements develop into a multi-layered tapestry." Wine Enthusiast

"Pale to medium ruby-garnet colour. Very mineral nose with gravel, iron, some bitter orange, wild herbs and savoury berries. Huge tannins and high acidity on an austere palate with a full body and a mineral finish. Lots of tension here and yet elegant. A mineral and rather Barolo-like Etna Rosso." James Suckling

"Dusty, floral and slightly spicy, the 2020 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo entices from the first tilt of the glass. It floods the palate with textures of pure silk, complicated by tactile mineral tones and brisk acidity as crunchy red berry fruits cascade throughout. A tart cranberry crunchiness takes hold through the structured finale as violet inner florals slowly fade. This is a simply stunning rendition of Feudo di Mezzo. Bravo." Vinous

Contrada Rampante with a finely woven bouquet of dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Fresh and lively on the palate, with a memorable blend of ethereal sweetness, delicate acidity and an interesting salty note. A contemplative wine that requires a certain amount of experience and patience in order to fully discover itself and its deliciousness. Pre-Phylloxera = from ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is simultaneously delicate and earthy, with aromas of dirt, stone and herbs, but also cherry blossoms and cranberries. The palate is defined by a richer, fuller cherry element, but undertones of salt and citrus, along with a powerful electric current of acid, elicit excitement." Wine Enthusiast

"Tar, graphite, dried roses, dark minerals and oranges with just a hint of earthy sweet spices. Structured and full-bodied on the palate with a heap of dusty tannins and a lengthy, cohesive finish." James Suckling

"Hauntingly dark and floral, the 2020 Etna Rosso Rampante smolders up with an array of dusty violets, lavender, cloves and earth tones before giving way to musky black currants. This is sleek and cool-toned in feel, showing its crisp minerality up front as tart wild berry fruits emerge over a core of sour citrus and spice. Structured and long yet still remarkably fresh, the 2020 finishes with dramatic length and concentration, leaving a hint of licorice and saline minerals that pinch at the cheeks. Patience will be required for this strapping Etna Rosso to come to full maturity." Vinous

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

"Features fine-grained tannins that create a lightly grippy, defined frame for a plush, juicy range of baked damson plum and black cherry fruit, ground coffee, violet, sage and star anise flavors. Medium- to full-bodied and well-knit, with minerally accents of iron and smoke on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Berry fruit with flavours of dark tobacco and lead pencil, leading into a medium body and a juicy finish. Straightforward and taut tannins." James Suckling

"The Maroccoli 2019 is impossible to miss. It blossoms in the glass with a mentholated blend of dried strawberry, dusty rose and autumnal spice. Its style is elegant and racy, with cooling minerality and lively acidity lifting its dark red berry fruit. A layer of fine tannins gives it a youthful composure, while nuances of red plums and inner earth tones slowly fade away. The Maroccoli, a single varietal Syrah, is beautiful but suitable for cellaring. Leave it for two to three years to achieve the best effect." Vinous

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard site on Etna where an Etna Bianco is allowed to be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are trained like a small tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The eastern exposure and the proximity of the sea allow the grapes to ripen late, resulting in very consistent acidity levels and a white wine with an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unrivalled even on Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, sparkling straw yellow colour. Nose of pineapple and mango, some banana, underlaid with jasmine blossom, flint on the finish. Delicate fruit melt on the palate with fine acidity, the fruit is noticeable, citrus flavours on the finish, animating." Falstaff

"A structured white with razor-sharp acidity that combines with flavours of crisp white peach, green almond, crushed pine, lemon wax and petrol. Good tension and focus; it should open up well with short cellaring." Wine Spectator

"A burst of flint and smoke gives way to minty herbs and crushed green apples as the 2022 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo blossoms in the glass. It washes over the palate with a texture of pure silk, while salty minerals and citrusy fruit trees saturate the palate. The 2022 keeps the energy remarkably high, fuelled by zesty acidity, while notes of sour grapefruit ripple the tongue during the long and youthfully tense final. The Rinazzo is already enjoyable today, but it also has a balance that will be worth cellaring. Wonderfully made." Vinous

Deep ruby red with garnet-coloured reflections. Dense and intense aroma of red fruits with notes of leather, earth, spices and minerals, with a hint of vanilla and sandalwood. Full-bodied on the palate, well-defined tannins supported by a dense structure, leading to a long-lasting and very smooth final. A Bordeaux blend in a class of its own! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Burdese is a straightforward expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) that doesn't impose. The wine is soft on the palate with medium-bodied layers of ripe cherry, plum, soft earth and leather. The tannins are immediate and soft." Wine Advocate

"This Bordeaux blend shows berries, fresh herbs such as parsley and a hint of vanilla. It has a medium to full body with medium round tannins and a juicy finish. Very enjoyable now, but it will be much better in two or three years." James Suckling

"Dusty dried flowers, crushed rock, graphite and red plums form a dark, seductive bouquet when the 2018 Burdese reveals itself in the glass. The palate is lapped by soft textures contrasted by a core of tart wild berries. Mineral tones slowly saturate. A web of fine tannins lends it youthful composure, nicely balanced by a hint of sour citrus, while the 2018 tapers off for a long time and yet displays wonderful balance." Vinous

"The nose is dark and rich, yet also layered and subtle, with both heavy aromas of petrol and tar and juicier notes of blackberries, figs and dark chocolate. The figs and chocolate carry the palate, though wild herbs and bitter orange give buoyancy. Tannins are unyielding, while acid is more discreet but still perceptible." Wine Enthusiast

This 100% Grillo comes from a vineyard located 490 metres above sea level and surrounded by pine forests, oaks and centuries-old olive trees. The soil of Contrada Santa Margherita consists of sandy calcareous marl of a whitish colour and yellowish-white calcarenite, all marine sediments dating back to the Pleistocene. These soils of the Monti Iblei at the foot of the small municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi give the wine an impressive complexity and saltiness.

A wild and yet highly seductive bouquet of spiced citrus fruits. Then add some smoke and a hint of undergrowth and you have a great white wine from Etna. Softly textured and thoroughly flavoursome on the palate, with young peach accompanied by lively acidity and a hint of sour lemon. It leaves a hint of minerality, along with notes of ginger and tangerine, while finishing with impressive length and concentration. It's hard to put this glass down. SUPERIORE.DE

"A focused, textured and flavorful white showing notes of baked lemons, white flowers and hints of cedar. It’s medium-bodied with an oily texture. Lovely texture at the center, with succulence in the driven finish." James Suckling

"This 100% Grillo from Contrada Santa Margherita has an intense golden colour and combines Sicilian opulence with the freshness and minerality of a Chablis. Twelve months of ageing in large oak barrels adds a hint of sweet spice to the golden apple, lanolin and acacia honey, while iodine and flint linger in the background. The laser-like acidity is seamlessly interwoven with the viscous mid-palate, creating an unusual combination of textural depth and tension. The finish is long and slightly tactile, with juicy minerals combining with dried fruit and cinnamon." Decanter

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

Initially, the wines from Etna led a rather shadowy existence; the great potential of the wines, some of which were produced in very small quantities, usually only delighted connoisseurs. Even today, many of the winegrowers are still so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic quantities. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grapes early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.

The great prestige and undisputed high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and divided into small parcels at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres, led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, which was launched on the market in 2017/2019 with the red/white debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name for the Etna volcano, which the locals thus assign a clearly feminine character. Idda Bianco 2022 is now the fourth vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 metres above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.

What we immediately like about Idda Bianco is the authentic Sicilian character of its cheerful bouquet. This marvellous Carricante-based white opens with cedar wood, citrus fruits, orange peel and cherries. The fruit is never heavy, but instead offers an elegant aromatic intensity, followed by pistachio and perhaps a hint of wild fennel. The wine's volcanic identity comes into its own with ashy and salty mineral hints. Our unreserved enthusiasm for its creamy texture, length and energy! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Bianco convinces with the combination of the velvety quality of the vineyards in the south of the volcano and the salty-mineral character of the soils, its precise nose and length." Vinum

"It has a fine, smoky, flinty nose with hints of peach, mango and white flowers. In the mouth it is intense and vertical, with juicy succulence and great acidity that defines its edges. It is finely structured and tangy, with flavours of peach, citrus peel, honey, lime juice and white flowers, finishing with a gentle stoniness." Decanter

"A fresh, minerally white, with a finely meshed range of poached pear and persimmon fruit flavors, plus notes of Meyer lemon peel, almond blossoms, beeswax and chamomile. Reveals a pleasing, buoyant vibrancy to the integration of the fine china–like acidity and racy streak of salinity." Wine Spectator

"Sparkling and bright with green pear and lemon slices. Honeysuckle. Medium body with brightness and intensity of fruit. A hint of sea salt." James Suckling

"The 2022 Bianco is pleasing in many ways. It captivates with its unexpected richness of fruit, combining young peaches and apricots with white flowers and almond paste. It is round and smooth, but with an amazing mix of candied lime and salty minerals in the foreground, creating a contrast. Sweet florals on the inside complement the ripe stone fruits. The 2022 cleans beautifully, long and with a saline flair, while finishing crisp, full of tension yet delicious." Vinous