Wines from Sicily

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard of Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher sand content and the harvest takes place later here. On the nose, dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Rampante is an elegant, energetic and dynamic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"This brilliance in the glass is attractively typical of Etna wines. The bouquet is reminiscent of raspberries and smoke, red currant and salt. On the palate, a good, so subtle tension: first it shows a gentle attack, then it grabs hold and stays, not lush, but attractively multilayered. The acidity keeps the wine on its toes, the tannins ensure a long finish. 18 months of maturation in large oak barrels make it silky, cool and mineral, as one would ideally expect from an Etna Rosso. The 100+ year old Nerello vines from Contrada Rampante, perhaps the most famous site on Etna, located in Passopisciaro to the north at over 700-1000 metres, adds its own unique style to the house." Vinum

"With fruit from the Contrada Rampante in Castiglione di Sicilia at up to 1,000 meters above sea level, the 2020 Contrada R shows some bitter cherry and brambly aromas of Mediterranean herb. Notes of volcanic ash meet fine, dry tannins. This is one of the more approachable wines in this series of single-vineyard Nerello Mascalese releases." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red with a gently brightening rim. Noble and inviting nose, of candied citrus zest, rose hips, wild strawberries, plus a hint of dried red flowers, reverberating delicately of wet stone. On the palate with beautiful juiciness and polished red berry fruit, spreads salty over the tongue, sparse elegance, currently still quite youthful tannin in the finish." Falstaff

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet and rose notes and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this captivating red is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"A powerful sour cherry and the nose, with hints of roasted almonds. On the palate, it shows an opulent, ripe red fruit, reminiscent of morello cherries and redcurrant jam. It also has smoky and savoury notes, reminiscent of fennel salami. On the palate, there is also a salty minerality typical of the volcano." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Contrada S sees its fruit sourced from the popular Contrada Sciaranuova at 850 meters in elevation. The vines are 80 years old on average. It is spicy and tart with plenty of white pepper, medicinal herb and wild berry. The wine continues to offer that slightly spicy quality to the palate with dry tannins and lots of blackcurrant. This vintage saw only 2,040 bottles released." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Contrada Sciaranuova (S) is deeply seductive, almost sultry, with an herbal note in its bright cherry-berry bouquet, along with a hint of animal musk that keeps me on the edge of the glass. The earth-inspired blend continues on the palate, but mingles with exotic florals, red citrus and a bracing acidity. There's just so much going on here, yet the balance is perfect as the 2020 tapers off lightly structured with a burst of inner sweetness and a hint of salted liquorice that lingers. Wow. Although this wine will age evenly, it is worth tasting early to enjoy its original character. The vines of Sciara Nuova grow at an altitude of 850 metres on soils of volcanic gravel." Vinous

100% Carricante of incredible elegance and purity, its subtle aroma of herbs and citrus fruits is complemented on the palate by a wonderful minerality and salinity. A white wine full of expressiveness and finesse! SUPERIORE.DE

"The white wine comes from the Contrada Rampante, which stands for rising high. Very finesse-rich and complex with notes of fine yellow fruit, herbs and hints of broom bush. The whole is wonderfully framed by smoke. Medium-bodied on the palate with a fine melting texture and mineral-saline flavour." Weinwisser

"Light, bright straw yellow with silver reflections. Yellow pear and gooseberry on the nose, citrus zest, delicately complemented by white flowers. Elegant fruit on the palate, coated in juiciness and with salty nuances, very direct until the long final, ending on citrus notes." Falstaff

"This is a pure Carricante with honeysuckle, lemons and light grapefruit with a salty sensation in the flavours. The same character is evident on the palate with a medium to full body, a creamy texture and a lovely finish. Lemongrass and minerals underline the subtle fruit flavours and acidity. Tangy. Clean and clear nature." James Suckling

"Fragrant white wildflowers on the nose, mixed with dried herbs and aromatic peaches and lychees. Crisp yet round, a lovely burst of citrus, juiciness on the palate with high acidity and then revealing more creamy white peach and pear with subtle wet stone, salinity and herbal spice at the edges. It feels like a serious gourmet wine, with body, structure and yet plenty of life. The finish is mineral and savoury, with a hint of warmth and southern Italian spice. 100% Carricante vines, on average 50 years old, planted between 800-900 metres above sea level." Decanter

The Cru San Lorenzo, which is strictly limited in each vintage, comes from 4 hectares of vineyards in the district of the same name in the town of Randazzo. The vines are over 70 years old and grow around 750 metres above sea level; the soil consists almost exclusively of fine volcanic sand. The terroir in the small Contrada San Lorenzo was created by lava flows and deposits of volcanic origin that were formed between 60,000 and 15,000 years ago. This exceptional wine is particularly rich, fruity and has very soft tannins that make it velvety and luscious on the palate and ensure a never-ending finish. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"A well-spiced version with warm cherry and plum fruit flavours, structured by fine, taut tannins and lively acidity infused with blood orange peel. The texture is silky smooth, while this red wine has notes of sandalwood, fresh earth, minerals, macchia and capsicum on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is remarkably pretty and redolent of dried flowers, cloves and lavender. It opens with a hint of candied orange that enlivens its core of tart wild berries. The lively acidity keeps the experience fresh throughout. The San Lorenzo colours the palate with high concentration, is lightly tannic and crisp, and leaves delightful floral scents that linger. This is the understated favourite of the Terre Nere portfolio, and I expect cellaring will add even more complexity." Vinous

"Wonderful cherry blossom and rose petal characters on the nose and palate with dark cherries and sliced blood oranges. Medium to full-bodied, balanced and intense, it lingers for minutes. The citrus fruit is mesmerising." James Suckling

Some say that this wine is the most typical example of Arianna Occhipinti's pure yet impressive style. Its intensity and purity are also unmistakable in this current edition. Grotte Alte is bursting with fresh cherry, raspberry, wild rose, balsam herb and a hint of iron ore or rusty nails. The fruit blend is equal parts Nero d'Avola and Frappato and the result shows impeccable balance and graceful composure. On the palate, the wine is pleasantly lean, but there is still enough texture and richness to allow for a long, silky finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The vineyards of Occhipinti are located on the limestone rock typical of the area, and most of the vines are grown ad alberello (upside down bush vines). An intense aroma of red cherries, wild flowers and herbal notes is followed by a deep, lively and persistent flavour." Decanter

"The Cerasuolo di Vittoria Grotte Alte 2018 is unique and complex. It opens with an herb-accentuated bouquet that blends lavender with blueberry jam, crushed stones and floral undergrowth. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness enhanced by textures of pure silk, but the experience is serene and almost juicy. Citrus fruits and autumnal spices emerge towards the end. The 2018 finishes with tremendous length and potency, leaving a lingering aftertaste of tart blackberries and liquid stone. In a word: captivating." Vinous

The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with fruit from the Contrada Pettineo) is a shade lower in colour intensity than the BB. This wine is similar to the FL in terms of accessibility and the very silky and delicate nature of its fruit. Arianna Occhipinti has achieved something marvellous for our collective understanding of the Frappato grape with the fermentation of these contrasting wines. Pettineo has sandy soils, and the Alberello vines (later converted to trellises) are over 60 years old. It is definitely on the right track, as you get a better understanding of the range of the grape variety. This fine wine shows a bright freshness, wild berries, wild roses and a hint of sweet almonds. Around 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Has the most ethereal nose in the line-up, mixing Chambolle-like redcurrants, dusty florals and incense with unmistakably Mediterranean aromas of garrigue and tapenade. Showing the same emphasis on drinkability and purity of fruit of the entry-level Frappato, the tannins are slightly racier and the aromatics even more changeling. Blood orange and iron linger on the long, mineral-inflected finish. Sourced from 60-year-old vineyards planted on a mix of red sands and yellow tufa in Contrada Pettineo, 'PT' epitomises gracefulness and airiness according to Arianna Occhipinti." Decanter

The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB from the single vineyard Bombolieri is the darkest and most saturated of the three Frappato wines. This vineyard lies high on a promontory with white limestone soils. The expression is open and accessible like the other wines, but in this wine there is an added layer of earth or potting soil to the bright red and black fruits one perceives on the nose. This wine also seems to have extra layering and textural richness. All this fruit is topped with a fresh acidity that plays a big role and makes this wine a nice partner for creamy fettuccine. Only 2,400 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh raspberry and floral notes, fine mineral vein; balanced texture with well-integrated tannins, noticeable acidity, precise and long." Vinum

"It reveals deep aromas of dark cherries, hazelnuts and iron intermingled with airier nuances of wild violets, black tea and balsamic herbs. Youthful grippy tannins frame a surprisingly vibrant and pure Nebbiolo-like finish, with bitter orange and ploughed earth complementing crunchy red and black fruits, vermouth-like botanical herbs and iodine, shaping a long and powerful finish that suggests excellent Storage potential. The wine comes from a 40-year-old parcel that lies on pebbles over layers of white limestone." Decanter

The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL (from Contrada Fossa di Lupo) shows a slightly looser texture than the other two Contrada wines that have been part of Arianna Occhipinti's portfolio for 5 vintages. The Contrada Fossa di Lupo provides much of the fruit used for the entire Occhipinti line. It consists of sandy limestone with red and dark brown clay veins. The wine shows aromas of red fruits, including plums and blackberries. Slight hints of exotic spices only emerge after the Frappato has had time to really unpack in the glass. This wine is perhaps the most open of the three. Only 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows a dark ruby colour and has the most uncompromising nose among the 'vini di contrada', requiring a few minutes to shed some of its gamey exuberance and unveil aromas of freshly picked bramble fruits, tapenade, and soy sauce. It is also more tannic than the other two single-vineyard Frappato, demanding a bit of cellaring to fully come together. Sour cherries mingle with mouthwatering minerals and a touch of earthiness on the slightly powdery finish." Decanter

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese that shows fine garnet-red reflections in its bright ruby red. Proud and fascinating, it presents an intense bouquet of red berries, coffee and olives. Its engaging taste convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy aroma of black cherry and plum, mint and a little graphite accompany the fruit. It also shows juice and power on the palate, dark cherries are structured by a grippy tannin. The acidity gives the wine a lot of freshness. The grapes for the wine come from 80 to 120 year old vines." Vinum

"The Etna Rosso Passorosso 2020 has a bright and powerful bouquet with blackcurrants, rosemary sprigs, white pepper, cola and ferrous earth or rusty nails. The bouquet has a sanguine, almost metallic note. As it progresses, the wine shows medium texture, firm tannins and good length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Passorosso is spicy and shows dried flowers, hints of cardamom and white pepper before the dusty cherry fruit comes to the fore. Soft and enveloping, it impresses with a pure blend of red fruits and inner rose tones accompanied by cooling acidity. It finishes lightly structured with a bitter aftertaste of concentrated sour cherries. While the Passorosso is typically a more forward expression, the 2020 could do with another year in the cellar before showing its best. Nevertheless, it is a very nice wine with a lot of potential." Vinous

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard in Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher proportion of sand and the harvest takes place later here. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice on the nose. Rampante is an elegant, energetic and dynamic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Contrada Rampante rises steeply above 1,000 metres on pyroclastic, sandy soils. Deep dark cherry, herb and spice notes are accompanied by textural, cheek-coating tannins. Fragrant scents of lavender, wild herbs and Parma violets emerge on the mid-palate, along with a wash of fresh acidity. Intense, ferrous, saline and spicy, this is a class act." Decanter

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante is intense, wafting up with all of the volcanic ash and stones that make up its soils, complicated by grilled herbs and citrus-laced blackberries. This is surprisingly juicy and energetic in feel, with a wave of vibrantly ripe red and blue fruits that swirl throughout as tactile minerals collect toward the close. It finishes with teeth-coating tannins and concentration, leaving a sensation of liquid stone and a resonance of tart cranberry toward the close. Wow, I swear I can sense the soil of the vineyard in the glass." Vinous

"Beguiling nose of red fruit and pistachios, with flowers and black pepper enhancing the aromas. The attack is a bit raw, with edgy tannins and crisp acidity. It’s medium- to full-bodied and chewy, with a balanced finish. It needs time to soften the structure, but displays a tight, crunchy youthful style that will match well with food and has the potential for aging. This high-altitude vineyard delivers greatness." James Suckling

Passopisciaro's Contrada C is an exquisite red with a dark, sensual bouquet of red fruits and rose petals. Stylistically like a great Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, with remarkable intensity on the palate right through to the lingering final. A wine that is both muscular and weightless. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright ruby red colour with a brightening rim. Very delicate and elegant nose of raspberries and strawberries, a hint of rosehips, spicy paired with thyme and green tea, underlaid with leather flavours. Very clear and filigree on the palate with a delicate fruit centre and excellent tannins, with an animating flow on the long final." Falstaff

"Contrada C comes from Contrada Chiappemacine, located 550 metres above sea level in Passopisciaro. An intense and fleshy core of ripe cherries and strawberries is supported by good acidity with flecks of wild mint and fine, round tannins. Generous, yet balanced and poised, it is a flavoursome red wine with floral notes on the juicy finish." Decanter

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Chiappemacine is rosy and perfumed with hints of exotic spices that fade into notes of dried strawberries. It is supple and round, quite elegant in flavour, with crisp minerality and crunchy wild berry fruit. The wine is full of energy and has a balanced primary concentration. The 2022 finishes long, structured and fresh. There is great potential here. Contrada Chiappemacine combines volcanic soils at the higher elevations with limestone at the lower levels. This is an understated beauty." Vinous

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet notes and lots of spices on the nose. Dense and compact with taut tannins and sweet fruit flavours. Given time, this already very elegant red (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, sparkling, medium ruby red with garnet reflections. On the nose, a multi-faceted bouquet of raspberries, orange peel and pomegranate, delicately combined with red rose petals and a hint of thyme. Very delicate and inviting on the palate, with a harmonious balance between pleasant freshness and fine-grained tannins, juicy and mineral on the long final." Falstaff

"Contrada Guardiola lies at around 800 metres just down the road from Rampante, and it gives a rounder, fuller, more generous expression of Nerello Mascalese. Fragrant lavender and herb aromas with red berry notes introduce a tightly tannic palate with underlying forest berries and creamy notes. Supporting acidity balances the weight of the tannins and extends the long, fresh finish." Decanter

"Earthy strawberries, dried flowers and soft spices on the nose. On the palate the wine is crunchy, with a medium body and crisp acidity. The tight, firm tannins are still youthful in the finish. Drinkable now, but will improve in complexity with aging." James Suckling

"Smoky and ashy in the glass, the 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Guardiola opens with a burst of ashen stones and grilled herbs, evolving into crushed black cherries and lifted by hints of menthol. It sweeps across the palate with textures of pure silk as a polished wave of red and black fruits swirls around a core of lively acidity. Its structure comes through on the finish as a staining of primary concentration adds a firm grip. Saline minerals linger under an air of inner florals. This is a wine that contrasts stunning depth with an energetic feel." Vinous

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and the Franchetti winery has brought it to life. The single vineyard Contrada Porcaria has a thoroughly masculine personality. Eighty-year-old, indigenous Nerello Mascalese vines are also used. With a dark flavour of ripe fruit and menthol, the palate is dominated by spices and minerals with many other facets. The final is rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy and mineral in style, the 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Porcaria opens with a whiff of white smoke, blowing off to reveal dried strawberries and rubbed sage. It's soft-textured with medium-bodied weight, offset by zesty acidity, crisp minerality and tart wild berry fruits. It finishes with a tart concentration and edgy tannins yet maintains fantastic freshness." Vinous

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.

On Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, wines of great personality are produced in a unique terroir. Due to the altitude of the vineyards, Sicilian sunshine and fresh temperatures come together here: Thanks to the strong temperature fluctuations and the extraordinary richness of the soil - lava flows of rocks, ash and debris, so-called "sciare" - the wines of this area acquire an unmistakable character. Cuordilava is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese and, after a long ageing period, presents itself with notes of red berries, spices and undergrowth. The palate is complex and deep, with flavourful tannins and a long persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Flavors of strawberry preserves and plumped cherry are layered with creamy tannins alongside aromatic notes of crushed pine, singed orange peel and minerally tar and stone. Medium-bodied, with a clean sweep of lively acidity, showing more mineral character on the lightly chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"Flavours of dust and plums with some stemminess come through clearly, followed by a medium body, round tannins and a creamy texture. The red fruits have an orange-coloured aftertaste." James Suckling

"This medium ruby red wine offers a nose of strawberry preserves, dates and sun-dried tomatoes. On the palate, it shows chestnuts, figs and dried oranges with firm tannins, lively acidity and a finish reminiscent of dried blood and rust. Stylish and balanced, it captivates with red fruits, vanilla oak and a hint of savoury elegance." Decanter

Ruby garnet colour, fine notes of violets and roses and lots of spices on the nose. Dense and compact with taut tannins and sweet fruit flavours. Given time, this captivating red is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fine, clear bouquet reminiscent of Burgundy with sweet red berries, grenadine, wild cherry and earthy-floral nuances. Juicy red fruit and sweet spices on the palate, already quite accessible, spanned by a fine, juicy acidity. A finesse-rich final." Weinwisser

"Medium, bright ruby red with garnet reflections. Ripe, delicate redcurrant and pomegranate fruit on the nose, with a hint of rosehip, accompanied by violets and black pepper. Very juicy on the palate with animating freshness, filigree tannins and a lingering, tense final with a mineral aftertaste." Falstaff

"A complex nose of almost vermouth-like aromas, dried cherries, cinnamon, oak bark, rich black cherries and hints of smoke. Firm tannin and acidity with a full body, a tight-knit finish and restrained toastiness in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova is youthfully coy, with a dusty blend of dried flowers, earth tones and ash wafting up from the glass. Silky yet lifted and finessed, it sweeps across the palate with medium-weight textures and bright red berry fruits. Its minerality comes through on the finish, enhanced by a bump of brilliant acidity as it tapers off long, staining and with crunchy tannins that resonate on. Utterly classic. While backward today, the Sciaranuova is harmonious and shows incredible potential." Vinous

Some say that this wine is the most typical example of Arianna Occhipinti's pure yet impressive style. Its intensity and purity are also unmistakable in this current edition. Grotte Alte is bursting with fresh cherry, raspberry, wild rose, balsam herb and a hint of iron ore or rusty nails. The fruit blend is equal parts Nero d'Avola and Frappato and the result shows impeccable balance and graceful composure. On the palate, the wine is pleasantly lean, but there is still enough texture and richness to allow for a long, silky finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bit shier than the vini di contrada in this phase, anise, sandalwood and a Burgundian whiff of animal musk superimposed over earthy red cherries and red roses. Layered but youthfully tight, blood orange and savoury minerals take centre stage, followed by pinpoint tannins and a touch of stemmy herbal freshness, while a kiss of oak spice frames the long and racy finish." Decanter

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

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits cascade across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

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 grapes for this fine white wine from the north side of Mount Etna come from the 3-hectare Contrada Muganazzi in the municipality of Passopisciaro. The skeleton-rich and pH-neutral soils are rich in iron and nitrogen and offer ideal conditions for fresh, acidic and mineral white wines. The wine is matured in equal parts in wood and stainless steel for 12 months on the fine lees. Muganazzi is neither a lean wine, nor is it too full-bodied. It is somewhere in between, with thick layers of peach, apricot and lots of fresh citrus fruit. The mineral notes such as gravel, flint and volcanic ash are very evident. An elegant, powerful Carricante with great drinking flow that clearly shows the signature of the sensitive Alberto Graci. SUPERIORE.DE

"From the estate's youngest vines, located in contrada Muganazzi in Passopisciaro, this 2022 is zesty and quite savoury, with a woody character to the lemon peel and pineapple fruit, and ending with a very salty finish." Decanter

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Munganazzi opens with a floral fragrance of wild herbs and crushed green apples accompanied by a hint of wet stone. It is soothingly round and supple with crisp fruit and juicy acidity balanced by a core of salty minerals and spice. The finish is crisp and long, with a lemony aftertaste that lingers. The Muganazzi comes from vines planted only ten years ago, but it has a depth and concentration that I find very compelling." Vinous

"Lemongrass, dried chamomile tea leaves and a hint of bitter almond and damp hay. Medium body with spicy and flinty undertones on the palate. Subtly smoky finish at the end. Mineral notes on the finish. Pure Carricante. Better in a year or two, but already attractive now." James Suckling

The Nero d'Avola grapes for the very rare Sultana come from a steeply sloping, bush-shaped vineyard facing north-west. The soil here is white with a limestone matrix, rich in minerals and drainage capacity. The pronounced slope and very poor soil reinforce the pedoclimatic characteristics in which the Nero d'Avola plants find a natural habitat. It is an extreme terroir, a combination of environmental and human factors, that distinguishes the Sultana vineyard from other vineyards. The light reflected by the white soils enhances the characteristics and ultimately the quality of the grapes from the vineyard. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Intense aromas of cherries, raspberries and blackcurrants on the nose, accompanied by herbal flavours, cocoa and dark chocolate. Great juiciness and flow on the palate, good balance between freshness and tannins, ending with cherry fruit in the finish." Falstaff

"Deep purple in colour and significantly darker than the Vigna Guarnaschelli of the same vintage. Concentrated nose of sour cherry and raspberry with chalky notes. Juicy, lively, almost tart cherry and raspberry fruit, with a dose of grippy tannins on the finish, suggesting that this wine needs more age. Much less full-bodied than its 15% would suggest. It is currently more approachable than the Vigna Guarnaschelli." Jancis Robinson

"The nose is warm, recalling damp earth and macerated cherries, with some peppery spice. It's bold and vibrant in the mouth, with fresh and dried dark cherries and berries alongside a balsamic note, lifted floral hints, juicy acidity and fine, woody structure. The finish is persistent and fresh – with a bit of warmth – and there's no sign of jamminess despite its richness and heft." Decanter

"The Vigna Sultana 2021 is smoky in the glass, with a burst of grilled herbs, ash stones and spices giving way to black raspberry and sour citrus fruit. It's soft, supple and soothingly round with tart wild berries and savoury minerals for balance. A core of lively acidity keeps things tidy. The 2021 has a long finish and retains a lovely freshness. It leaves grippy tannins and a savoury feel under a hint of sweet violets and lavender on the finish." Vinous

"Spectacular aromas of hibiscus, lemon blossom, raspberry and red liquorice. Lots of crushed red berries. Medium body with fine, flattering tannins. Bright acidity on the finish. A triumph." James Suckling

Planeta's famous Chardonnay exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, the same intense flavours, delicate melting paired with fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level since its debut vintage in 1995, it definitely needs a few years to mature in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for COS' new flagship wine come from vines over 45 years old and are fermented spontaneously on the skins, using only the naturally occurring yeasts. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Cerasuolo di Vittoria Bastonaca 2019 seduces with a delightful, pink-coloured bouquet reminiscent of wild strawberries, cloves and fresh mint. It is soft and gentle, with lively acidity and a core of lively ripe cherries and berries. It leaves a lovely aftertaste of red liquorice and a hint of spice and finishes remarkably fresh. The 2019 is delicious." Vinous

"This bottling is sourced from the estate's best parcels in the Bastonaca area of Vittoria. It offers up an inviting fragrance of dried and fresh red and black cherries, before diving into a sapid, super-fresh palate displaying wonderful dark cherry, pomegranate and wild strawberry flavours. There's some grip in the background, and a long finish. Wow! Such energy." Decanter

"Extremely perfumed with cherries, flowers and cement. Tantalising. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins that spread across the palate. Beautiful length and beauty." James Suckling

"Here's a wine I haven't seen for many years. The organic COS 2019 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Contrada della Bastonaca is a blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato. It has a medium-dark appearance with floral aromas of rose, candied lilac, sour cherry and unripe plums. The wine is very fresh and tangy with a nice mineral theme that gives it focus and definition." Wine Advocate